Following graduation from Central High School in Charlotte, Rachel earned a Master of Arts degree from UNC and a Master of Social Service degree from New York University. During WWII she worked for the Red Cross leading recreation in military hospitals. She served as Executive Director of Girl Scouting in Reidsville and Leaksville, NC, went on to work at the Florence Crittenton Home and the Mecklenburg Co. Department of Social Services as Child Welfare Supervisor, and was awarded Social Worker of the Year for Mecklenburg County.
Her interest in community service began at an early age. As an avid Girl Scout, Rachel earned the Golden Eaglet Award, the highest rank of Girl Scouting at that time, and was one of six American girls chosen by the Girl Scout organization to attend the international camp in Scotland in 1937 where she was honored to meet Queen Elizabeth.
In retirement she was active on the boards of the Metrolina Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the Mental Health Association, and served as president of the boards of MAMI and Shepherd Center. As a devoted daughter, niece, and sister, she cared for her family members at the end of their lives. A loving aunt, she did everything she could to enrich her nieces’ lives with wonderful experiences and opportunities, which they deeply appreciate. Until age 90, she enjoyed practicing and teaching Kripalu yoga and traveling the world with her friends. In her later years she was grateful to be supported by loving friends and family and cared for by dedicated staff at Plantation Estates and her very special caregiver and friend, Helen Linscott.
She was preceded in death by her brother, James H. McLain, Jr. and is survived by nieces, Nancy McLain Pierce and Carol Ann McLain and great-nephews and niece, David, Jonathan, and Quincy Pierce.
A service to celebrate Ms. McLain’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 10 in the Chapel at Plantation Estates. Interment will be private at Sharon Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to ACTS Samaritan Fund, 733 Plantation Estates Dr., Matthews, NC 28105.
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