Carolyn Ann McClain's Obituary
Carolyn Ann McClain, age 73, of Norton Shores, MI unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2020. Carolyn was born November 30, 1946 and raised in Muskegon Heights, MI, the only daughter of Herbert and Margaret Strohm. Carolyn taught pre-K through second grade in Reeths Puffer Public Schools for 31 years. Carolyn loved Jesus and was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she began serving from a young age when her mother was the school hot lunch cook and her father was involved on many leadership committees. Throughout her life Carolyn served as an usher, greeter, organizer, and in many other roles, mostly behind the scenes. She was truly servant-hearted and always put the needs of others before her own. On May 26, 1973 Carolyn married James McClain, the love of her life, and spent the next forty-six years joyfully demonstrating how beautiful Christian marriage can be. Following her retirement from teaching in 1999, Carolyn dedicated countless hours caring for, fostering, and feeding animals (domestic, sheltered, and various neighborhood critters). Carolyn was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, and she loved them selflessly and without limit. She was the best wife, mother, Meemaw, sister, aunt, and friend in the world. Carolyn also enjoyed gardening, shopping, and spending time with all her friends including the Penn Hens, a special group of retired teachers. She was kind, generous, caring, loving, and we will miss her dearly. Carolyn is survived by her husband James (Jim), son Jeff (Carrie) and grandkids Emma, Anne, and James of Boone, NC, daughter Traci (Derek) DeMarr and grandkids Lauren, Brayden, Kailey, and Chase of Fruitport, and son Mark of Lakeside. She is also survived by brother Louis Bodnar, cousin Jeanne Lundell (who is like a sister), cousins Tom and Joe Kresnak, cousin Marilyn Agerstrand, many beloved nieces and nephews, and special friend Sharon Sieker of Burlington, WI. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert Bodnar and Eugene Bodnar. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 1:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church with visitation one hour before the service. Officiating will be Pastor Paul Appold. Family will also receive friends Friday, February 21 from 4:00-7:00pm at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441 or NOAH Project, 5205 Airline Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444.
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