Patricia McLain

Patricia M. McLain, 91, of Winthrop Harbor (formerly of Mundelein), passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Illinois. 

She was born December 3, 1934 in Yonkers, NY to Lawrence and Helen Woods MacNicholas. During childhood, her family moved to Wilmette, IL, where she attended public school and graduated from New Trier High School in 1952. After high school, she worked for Bell Telephone until her marriage in 1955. Following the birth of her children, she worked as a seamstress from home, specializing in custom baby quilts. In later years she was employed by The Lawbre Company, manufacturer of scale miniature houses. While there, she wore many hats.....answering phones, taking customer orders and assisting with the manufacture and assembly of the houses. 

On June 25, 1955, she married Burton “Buzz” McLain and together they raised 4 children. Pat was a wonderful, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life revolved around her family. She was kind and generous with her time and talents and always had a smile on her face. She loved gardening and was a great cook and baker, lovingly preparing holiday meals for the family into her 80s. 

She is survived by her sons Bruce (Dawn), Brian (Beth), both of Winthrop Harbor, daughter Jeanne of Round Lake, grandchildren Michael (Sarah), Mallory (Syremba), Katie (Blaine), Sarah (Travis), Kristine, Patricia and Kimberly and 10 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Burton in 2022, her daughter Kathleen and her brother, Ronald MacNicholas. A private celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank BrightStar Care of Gurnee, especially her caregivers Silvia, Araceli, Fabienne, Kaylee and Henry, and the many others who provided loving and compassionate care to Pat over the past 2 years.