Theresa Marie McLain

Theresa was born near Manor, Texas to Robert and Laney Ballerstedt-Gustafson on March 7, 1934. She graduated high school from St. Mary’s Academy in Austin, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. In 1962, Theresa accepted a first grade teaching position at Zavala Elementary in Austin, Texas. She transferred to Casis Elementary in Austin, Texas after quite a few years. She was an exceptional first grade teacher and was nominated for Teacher of the Year. During her 36 years of teaching, she never once doubted her career choice. Educating the future generations was definitely her first love. She went above and beyond educating each student that walked through her classroom.

Her family and friends will always remember her as a generous, loving, kind and thoughtful mother, grandmother, friend and teacher. She was a UT sports enthusiast who loved attending UT sporting events. Theresa was a fashionista who loved dressing for any event, even sitting at home on a rainy day. She loved being a part of a community whether it was at church or a women's bridge group. Her love for entertaining others showed through her homemade cakes, jellos, and ice cold sodas she served. She and her late husband, Mac, enjoyed traveling to new places, eating out at local restaurants, and taking care of their 5 grandchildren. During her final years, Theresa took up the art of embroidery and coloring. Lastly and most importantly, her love for Jesus has left a lasting impact on her family and friends as she shined His love throughout her entire life.

Theresa is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Joseph Francis and Robert Emanuel; her husband, Louis A. McLain; and her first husband, Henry Carl Bain.

Theresa is survived by her two children: Cathy (Routt) Thornhill and Carl (Leslie) Bain; her five grandchildren: Brittany (Clay) Paul, Mary Catherine Thornhill, Theresa Caroline Thornhill, William Routt Thornhill, lll and Michelle (Nick) Baggott; her great grandchildren: Austin Henry Paul, Brooks Hays Paul and Charlie Clay Paul; her step-daughter and her children: Cynthia Overby.

A visitation for Theresa will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752. A rosary will occur Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas 78752. A mass will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church, 4311 Small Dr., Austin, TX 78731. A graveside service will occur from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM at Manor City Cemetery, 582 N Lockhart St, Manor, TX 78653.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Brookdale NW Hills Senior Community. The community went above and beyond with caregiving for 8 years. Assisting Hands of West Austin provided loving and compassionate care for quite a few years. The multidisciplinary team at St. David’s Hospice & Family Care provided exceptional physical, emotional and spiritual support. Lastly but certainly not least, Joyce Tseng, APRN, AGCNS-BC, with Austin Geriatric Specialists, patiently and compassionately cared for Theresa.

Donations can be sent to St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin, Texas 78752.