Obituary of Shirley Ann McClain

December 23, 1927 – June 22, 2020

Shirley Ann McClain. Age 92 of Southgate.

Shirley passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family on June 22, 2020. She was born on December 23, 1927 in Yukon, Pennsylvania to the late Anthony and Anna Zello.

After graduating high school, she attended nursing school for a year or so before marrying and starting her family. She moved to Southgate, Michigan in the 1950s where she ultimately raised her five sons as a single mother.

Shirley worked for Southgate Public Schools, first as a bus driver and then custodian, from the early 1970s until her retirement in 1989. As if working and raising five boys didn’t keep her busy enough, Shirley was active in the Schafer High School booster club and cheered from the stands at all the kids’ sporting events. Neighborhood girls gravitated to her home for her sympathetic ear, gentle advice and cheerful disposition. She taught many of them cake decorating techniques out of her own kitchen. After the boys were grown, she learned to create beautiful ceramic pieces, and she delighted in cooking for her family until just weeks before her passing. Shirley was passionate about sports and was an avid fan of the Lions, Tigers and Pistons, as well as the Wolverines and Spartans, no matter their records. As a long-time member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Shirley loved attending mass and always arrived early in order to secure her favorite pew and converse with fellow parishioners. She was well-loved by her family, her many friends and the community.

Shirley is survived by her sons John, Timothy (Connie), Michael (Mary), Patrick (Judy) and James; granddaughters Colleen McClain, Jennifer (Chris) Moritz and Crista (Alex) Da Via; sister-in-law Antonia Zello. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Patricia Shonk and Richard Zello.

Memorial contributions in Shirley's honor are appreciated online to: Special Olympics of Michigan or by mail to: Special Olympics Michigan, Central Michigan University, 1200 S. Franklin Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859.