BRUNSWICK — Marilyn R. McLain, 90, of Brunswick passed away on New Years Day, 2013, in Bath. Marilyn Elizabeth, third child of Victor C. & Rena McNevin Ramsdell, was born at Lubec, Maine on 12 August 1922. She attended Lubec schools until the age of 12 when her grandfather moved the family and the family business, Ramsdell Packing Company, to Rockland. Marilyn graduated from Rockland High School in 1940, later attending Gorham Normal School, and The Fannie Farmer Cooking School in Boston.

In late November of 1945, after his return from service in WWII, she married Walter “Bill” McLain of Bremen. They became members of Winter Street congregational Church, and later, on their move to Brunswick, First Parish Church. Friendships begun at church lasted through her long life.

When the Ramsdell family moved to Florida in the later 1930’s and early 1940’s she and her brother, Bernard, remained in Maine. Hundreds of long handwritten letters filled the gap between Miami and Maine and when she could no longer write easily, the phone became a daily link between her and her sister, Mary. She loved every holiday that requires cards, gifts and decorations and was most generous to those she loved. Having grown up in a large family, where frugality and hand-me-downs were an unquestioned necessity, she loved to shop for new clothes. Her outings to the Mall at Portland and to Macy’s were a favorite weekly entertainment.

The colors of the sky at sunset, flowers from the garden, the green grass of spring, the wild birds at her window, and the brown eyes of her granddaughters were sources of continuing joy.

Mary Henenfent of Brunswick, her friend and caregiver was devoted, helping to bridge the difficult transition from home to assisted care and remaining with Marilyn daily until her death.

The many fine caregivers at Hill House filled her last months with comfort, humor, diversion, and love. We are deeply grateful.

Her family include: daughter, Paula Harvard and her husband, Regis Tremblay of Woolwich; granddaughters, Kate Harvard, of Woolwich and Shelagh Harvard & partner, Matt Karosik of Pittston; brother, Ellis Ramsdell, sister, Mary Ramsdell both of Miami, Florida; sister-in-law, Erdine Ramsdell of York, Maine; sister-in-law Louise Yates of Merrimack, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews. Her parents, sister, Charleen Ramsdell Boyne and brother, Bernard Ramsdell preceded her in death.

A graveside burial service will be held at Achorn Cemetery, Rockland, Maine in late spring, where she will be buried with her husband and her parents in the family plot.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.