Fumiko H. McLain

Fumiko H. McLain, 93, of Fence, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at Dickinson County Healthcare System in Iron Mountain. She was born March 14, 1928, in Yokohama, Japan, daughter of the late Hirohisa and Taka (Harada) Hisamatsu. She graduated from high school in Japan and attended a dress making and seamstress school. Fumiko married Kenneth R. McLain on November 23, 1951, in Tokyo. He preceded her in death on October 21, 1995. Fumiko involved herself in many organizations and activities throughout her life. She was an avid supporter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) for over 40 years. She served on the Wisconsin State NAMI Board and as the local president of WISHigan NAMI. She was invited to speak at the ZENKAREN in Kyoto, Japan, the Japanese Alliance for Mental Illness. Fumiko was also a member of the Les Artiste art club. She loved being with her fellow artists and greatly admired the many talents of those within the club. As a member of the Red Hot's, she enjoyed the many different activities and trips to conventions with them. She was town supervisor for Homestead, taught the AARP Driving Safety Course for many years, sat on the Northpointe Stakeholders Advisory Council in Michigan, and served on the aging committee and Human Services Advisory Council in Florence, Wisconsin. She belonged to the Fence Bible Church for many years and was a part of the Ladies Aid Ministry. She dearly loved Pastor Tim and his wife Judy. They were like family to her. Church family members often gathered at her home to do knitting projects. She loved to travel with her friends, and they would get together before each trip and make matching t-shirts to identify their group. She was also a beautiful seamstress who sewed her daughter's wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, miniature bride's dress and the ring bearer outfits. In later years, she sewed all the bridesmaids dresses for her granddaughter's wedding. Fumiko upholstered furniture, built furniture and helped her husband build their first home in South Carolina. She played an active role in her granddaughters’ lives. She sewed uniforms for the pom squad. She attended their games and swim meets. Her love of family was evident in all aspects of their lives. Family and friends enjoyed her Japanese cuisine. Everyone who knew her, loved her. She always had a smile on her face and was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. Living a full and happy life, she was ready to go home and be with her Lord. She asked that we say Goodbye to everyone. Fumiko is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann (Jim) Barbeau of Green Bay and Lavone VanRemoortere of Aurora; a son, Robert McLain of Homestead; two granddaughters, Shawna (Jeff) Lindow and Joy (Andy) Glatczak; two brothers, Kenzo (Yasuko) Hisamatsu and Takahisa (Kuniko) Hisamatsu; four sisters, Mitsue McGee, Terumi Calloway, Yoshiko Yasuda and Keiko (Theophile) Masterson; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband, Fumiko was preceded in death by a step-son, Ronald McLain; a son-in-law, Joseph VanRemoortere; and three brothers, Hiroshige , Akihisa and Yasumitsu Hisamatsu. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, October 25 at the Fence Bible Church. A memorial service will follow at 12 pm at the church. Pastor Tim Smith will officiate. Burial will be in the Fence Cemetery with a private graveside service later. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the friends and supporters during this difficult time, especially to Josh Warren Condolences may be expressed to the family of Fumiko McLain online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Fumiko H. McLain

March 14, 1928 - October 19, 2021