Linda Lee McClain

Linda was born to Thelma Thompson and Jack Wright at home in Blackfoot Idaho on January 6, 1934 and was delivered by her Grandma Thompson. She joined sister Jackie and brother Bob. Thelma and Jack divorced that same year. Thelma married Larry Austin when Linda was five. He adopted Jackie and Linda and brother Bob was adopted by her Aunt Neva and Uncle Bob. Sister Mysta was born when Linda was seven. They moved to Portland and Linda excelled in high school being the first woman elected president of the Amikki club. She was also treasurer of the Qupo club, and sergeant-in-arms for Sorosis. She participated in class plays and was voted the school’s first “Pickle Queen”.

In her Junior year she met the love of her life and after dating through high school and waiting for his return from army duty in Korea she married John McClain, June 14, 1957. She worked as a receptionist at US Steel and quit when she was 6 months pregnant. Todd Austin was born July 15, 1958. Matthew Stephen came along September 11, 1960. The family moved from Portland to Lynnwood to Sumner then built a house in Puyallup. John was transferred to Eugene where they lived for eight months and finally settled in Olympia in 1968. In 1970 Linda got her real estate license and worked in real estate. Later she worked at a title company and was an interior designer for a furniture store. She eventually went back to real estate and retired in 1996. She was a member of the Multiple Listing Salesman Club, Washington Association of Realtors, Washington State Centennial Celebration, St Peter’s Foundation and Olympic Symphony. She was a three term President of Soroptimist International of Olympia and President of Chambers Homeowners Association for two years.

Linda became a big Seahawk fan and loved to watch the Mariners. Her favorite team was the Seattle SuperSonics and was heartbroken when they moved.

John died in May 2024 and Linda continued to live in the same house, tending to her rhododendrons, feeding the wild birds, watching the airplanes fly in and out and playing the piano. She was grateful for her friends and neighbors.

Linda is also preceded by her parents, her sister, Jackie and brother, Bob. She is survived by her sister Mysta (Stew) sons Todd (Cindy), Matt (Maria) grandsons Travis (Shauna), Owen (Hailey) and Jaymes (Tricia) and great grandchildren Shaw, Darby, Miller and Everett.

Linda was cremated and her ashes will be spread alongside John as she wished.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the historic Jacob Smith House, 4500 Intelco Loop SE Lacey, WA.