Fay Louise McClain died peacefully at her home in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 31, 2024, at the age of 80, from metastatic cancer. She was born on Feb. 25, 1944, in Alvin, the second of three children born to Robert Daniel McClain and Sue Mildred Kelly.
Her education began in Shepherd, where she attended primary and high school. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Literature from Sam Houston University (1966) and a master’s degree in Natural Science Education from the University of Wyoming (1975).
Fay dedicated her entire career to nurturing young minds as a devoted schoolteacher. In 1967, she began teaching fifth and sixth grades in Corpus Christi, Denver and Sheridan, Wyo. In 1979, she moved to Eugene and began teaching at Lane Community College, much of it in the High School Completion program. She was honored with an exceptional teaching award in 2003 and retired in 2006 after 26 years.
Fay possessed a deep love of nature, literature, and the arts. She was an accomplished flutist, singer, guitarist, and watercolorist. Fay was also a lifelong learner who studied Spanish and Spanish literature in her late 70s. She loved visiting the Oregon coast. One of her greatest joys was birdwatching — she loved to be out in nature observing her feathered friends.
Fay was known for her sweet spirit and her loving and forgiving nature. Her gentle soul and generous heart were a joy to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Fay was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Jim and Hal McClain. She is survived by her son, Jaron McClain; and several cousins, nieces, and one nephew. A memorial plaque will be placed at the Memorial Overlook in the Eugene Masonic Cemetery. Fay’s ashes will be scattered at one of her favorite spots on the Oregon coast. A private celebration of Fay’s life will be held at a future date, to be determined.
Please consider a contribution in Fay’s memory to one of her favorite charities: Cascades Raptor Center (https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/donate/) or The Nature Conservancy (https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1). 364
