Mary Ellen McKain

Mary Ellen McKain, 90, of Steilacoom, Washington passed away November 15, 2020 with her devoted husband, Jerry, by her side.

She was born to the late Colonel Michael and Frances Quinn on September 22, 1930 in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a military family, Mary Ellen and her five brothers and sister moved throughout the United States and the Philippines.

She attended college at Mount St. Scholastica in Kansas and Seattle University, where she met her future husband. After graduating with a degree in Social Work, she and Jerry both worked at what was then known as Catholic Children’s Services in Seattle. They were married in Kansas City, Missouri in 1955. That was the beginning of her adventures as a proud army wife. Mary Ellen, Jerry, and their six daughters met many wonderful people who became like family during their military career. They moved eleven times before settling in to their home in Steilacoom. With each move to a new army post, Mary Ellen made it all seem effortless. Moreover, she made each move an exciting adventure, in which new friends could be made and new places explored.

In addition to raising her six daughters, Mary Ellen volunteered (and even taught) at most of the schools they attended and joined numerous charitable organizations. She was an active member of Pierce County Right To Life and the Catholic Woman’s Club. Throughout these endeavors, she shared her many talents and lead by example. Her strong faith, compassion and positive outlook on life were evident; particularly during her daughter, Molly’s, traumatic head injury, recovery, and twenty years later, her death. There was nothing she and Jerry could not face, with God and family by their side.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry; daughters, Patricia (Leo), Maureen (Patrick), Eileen (Brian), Kathleen (John), Megan (Adam); brothers Michael (Jeanne), Richard (Patti); grandchildren, Lea (Zach), Molly, Alec, Madison, Maggie, Matt, Kate, Molly, Mara, Ian, Jackie (Jon), Kate; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen had a special relationship with her grandchildren. This was nurtured by generously hosting “cousin fest”— a month-long stay at their home over many summers. There they acted out plays, learned to swim, invented dangerous outdoor games, stayed up late watching scary movies and enjoyed large quantities of food. These same grandchildren summed up their beloved grandma with the following words: fabulous, strong, grace, open-hearted, classy, generous, loving, genuine, inspirational, kind, role-model and Julie Andrews (grandma loved musicals!). That sums up a life well-lived and most especially, well-loved. You will live in our hearts forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Ellen McKain, please visit our floral store.