CHARLESTON, Tennessee — Margaret F. McLain, 87, formerly of Rockland, Maine, passed away peacefully in her home on February 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving daughters and son-in-law.

 Margaret was born December 29, 1936 in Vinalhaven, Maine, the largest of Maine’s offshore islands, located in Penobscot Bay. Her parents were the late Guy and Lucy Sawyer and Margaret was the youngest of four children. Margaret was a Methodist. She was a 1955 graduate of Rockland District High School. Margaret was joined in marriage to the love of her life, William R. McLain (Bill) in Rockland, November 10, 1955. They shared 62 wonderful years together creating a lifetime of happiness.

Margaret lived in the Rockland area for 57 years which included a home in Owls Head on Crescent Beach and a cottage in Union on Crawford Pond. The cottage was a magical place where family and friends would gather together to laugh, play and relax. Margaret thrived at entertaining, she was very outgoing and sociable, and welcomed all that came to the cottage. She was the foundation and cornerstone of our family. She treasured these special memories with her sisters and their families.

She was a member of the Rockland Lady Lions Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her life was fruitful, exciting, and full of blessings. Margaret always demonstrated loyalty and unconditional love throughout her life. She never let the circumstances of life get her down and faced each day with optimism, strength, and hope.

Margaret was a hardworking, kindhearted, independent, woman who loved her family and friends. During her lifetime she wore many hats. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grammie to the very end. She spent most of her career as a bookkeeper at H.H. Crie Company. It was here that Maggie made lifelong friendships. Bill and Maggie ventured out to open a family-owned business in 1979, The Maine Mat.

In 1993, they followed a lifelong dream to live in Florida and lived in Nokomis, Florida for 14 sun-filled years. Margaret worked at Lakeside Terrace Skilled Nursing Facility in Sarasota, Florida. She had a heart of gold and she found joy in taking care of the residents and showed love to all of those that she encountered. Upon retirement they moved to the Cleveland, TN in 2007 to be near family. Throughout her life she enjoyed her hobbies of cooking and baking, reading, puzzles, knitting, playing cards and games, dancing, and spending time with family.

Maggie had the great opportunity to travel to some spectacular places including Spain and Ireland, which were a few of her favorites. She admired birds and spent most days watching them.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, William R. McLain; her daughter Karen Elizabeth McLain; her parents, Guy and Lucy Sawyer; and her sisters Eleanor Achorn, Emily Hallett and Gertrude Vose.

Margaret leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved daughters Carol (Erik) Almy of Charleston, Tennessee and Brenda (Daryl) Vinal of Appleton, Maine; and her son, David (Sharon) McLain of Florence, Alabama.

She was Grammie to ten grandchildren: Chris, Brandon, Ashley, Travis, Ryan (Edan Ponce), Matt, Jake, Hunter (Rebecca), Sierra, and Storm. She was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Adrian, Mason, Aisley, Gavin, Blake, Bentley, Chelly, and Edan David.

Survivors also include several nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she was very fond of. Family was her pride and joy.

The family would also like to send a special thanks to Hearth Hospice, and her special friend, Denise Almy.

Margaret will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A family graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland, Maine.