In Memoriam

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Sister Aileen McClain, OP

(1930-2016)

How self-controlled the dawn!

Sister Aileen McClain, baptized Elizabeth (Betty) Rae, and born April 24, 1930, in Chicago, was the fifth daughter born to Vincent and Helen (Rache) McClain. Five years later, the McClain girls – Helen, Patricia, Aileen, Jeanne, and Betty – welcomed the birth of Vincent Thomas, their only brother.

Betty’s parents were both born in Illinois. After their marriage they settled in St. Kilian Parish, where all their children began their elementary education. In her biography, Betty wrote, “My father was a property manager at a bank and provided a good life for his family.”

Betty was still in grade school at St. Kilian when two of her sisters entered the Congregation: Helen, known as Sister Ellen Vincent, entered at the end of her first semester at St. Joseph College in 1936. Patricia, known as Sister Helen Thomas, entered the postulate in January 1939. In her biography Betty wrote, “I always dreamed of becoming a sister someday.” The fact that she now had two sisters who were Adrian Dominicans only intensified her desire.

A Sister's Story: Sister Aileen McClain, OP

Vigil for Sister Aileen:

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Funeral for Sister Aileen:

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Showing 4 Comments

Marlene Vanco 8 years agoReply

A great loss to all who knew her. I enjoyed my friendship with Sister Betty and visits for 27 years. Bless you always.

Vince McClain 8 years agoReply

Dearest Betty,
May you rest in peace and enjoy the eternity you worked so hard to attain in your 67 years as an Adrian Dominican. Growing up on Loomis Street, trips to Adrian when it was a working farm, visits in Michigan, Chicago and Florida... oh, so many fond memories. Enjoy your reunion with Mom, Dad, Helen, Pat, Aileen, and Jeanne. You can rest knowing I am never without my Lourdes Water you insisted I carry. Bless you dear sister. I miss you so already.
Your brother, Vince

Tom Winstead 8 years agoReply

Sister Aileen was my grandmother's sister and my family always referred to her as Aunt Betty. We used to visit Aunt Betty and Sister Rose in Vero Beach when we took vacations to FL when I was young. It was always a big event when she would come to Chicago. She was a kind and wonderful woman and will be missed by all who knew her.

Your devoted First Grade teacher 8 years agoReply

God bless you dear Sister Aileen,

You were such an important part of my life ~ I will remember you always and keep you in my prayers. Your gentle spirit was such an important role model for me...knowing you had been a first grade teacher like myself, I looked up to you so. As the principal of Trinity Catholic School, you were like a mother to me. I learned so much from you and always sought out your approval.

May the dear Lord bless you and keep you now. I know His angels are there with you, singing "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Love and prayers

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Cemetery of the Adrian Dominican Sisters

Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.