Octavia D. “Teddy” McClain, age 92, of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on December 3, 2020 after a brief illness.
Teddy was born on August 30, 1928 to Vincenzo and Adeline (Piccarilli) D’Alberto. A lifelong resident of Holly Oak, she graduated from Claymont High School in 1947 and was married the following year to Harry A. McClain. They built their home and raised their family next door to where Teddy grew up. She was employed for over 20 years as the receptionist for Dr. Anthony Kollias and was a longtime member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where she was active in the Outreach Lazarus Ministry. Teddy had many long-term friendships, including a special group of ladies known as The Chatterbox Club.
She will always be remembered for her love of cooking and the large Italian dinners she prepared for her family, as well as her exceptional baking skills. Friends and family were continually amazed at the lovely variety of bakery-quality cookies that were created in her small kitchen, earning her most cherished nickname of “Mommom Cookie.”
In addition to her parents and husband, Teddy was preceded in death by her siblings, Giovanni D’Alberto and Aida DiSantis. She is survived by her sister, Albertina Bucci; her children, George McClain (Bonnie), Robert McClain (Faith) and Marianne Barrett (Michael); 6 grandchildren, Kelly McClain, Bradley McClain, Lauren Ives, Matthew McClain, Michael Barrett, and Melanie Barrett-Gagnon; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Due to the COVID pandemic burial will be private, and a memorial Mass will be announced when it is safe to gather.
Donations may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703.
To offer condolences, please visit:
Gebhartfuneralhomes.com
302.798.7726
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Octavia D. "Teddy" McClain, please visit our floral store.