Ethel McClain

Ethel McClain, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully at home in Queen Creek, Arizona on February 3, 2025 at the age of 98 with her beloved family by her side. Ethel was born in Tarrytown, NY on October 29, 1926 to Ella (Riss) and George Engelberg. She was a graduate of Washington Irving High School in Tarrytown, NY. In 1949 she married the love of her life, Edward McClain, in Yonkers NY. They were happily married for 47 years until Edward predeceased her in 1991.

Ethel, affectionately known as Nana was a loving and kind person, who enjoyed being a homemaker, caring for her family and her many pets through the years. She always put others before herself and loved unconditionally. Since moving to Arizona eleven years ago, Nana attended many sporting events for her great grandsons and could be seen in the bleachers shaking her pom poms at Gilbert Christian football games. She enjoyed crocheting and cooking, was President of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Glenville Firehouse in Tarrytown, NY and had the camaraderie of many fine friends. She enjoyed casino trips, playing bingo and the slots. Playing board games and cards with family and friends was a favorite pastime. Ethel was a word search expert and could be seen sitting in her favorite chair playing on her Kindle for hours or watching baseball and football games on television. After moving to Arizona, she became an avid D-Backs and San Francisco 49ers fan. Ethel switched allegiance from her New York teams to root for the 49ers, and cheer for her favorite professional quarterback, Queen Creek’s own Brock Purdy. One of her prized Christmas gifts was a framed autographed picture of Brock which she displayed proudly in her room.

Ethel is survived by her children Pat Burr and Rita McClain of Queen Creek, AZ, with whom she resided; Edward McClain and wife Francine of Maricopa, AZ, grandsons David Burr and wife Elisha of Gilbert, AZ , Brian Burr and wife Shaina of San Diego, CA, granddaughter Heather Tritt, and Edward McClain III and wife Janice. Ethel leaves behind four adored great grandchildren Jacob Burr, Tyler Burr, Griffin Burr, and River Tritt as well as several loving nieces and nephews and many friends she considered her “bonus family”. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Hazel, Theodora, Viola, George, Albert, and Emma.

Nana/Mom, we will remember your strength and resilience and all the love you gave us. We loved you for your whole life and will remember and love you for the rest of ours. You will be in our hearts forever. Rest with the angels dear Mom and Nana. As you always said, “Everything will be Okay.”

Visitation including a service will be held at Gilbert Memorial Park on Sunday, February 9, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley will be appreciated.