Patricia "Patty" Jean (Greenshields) McCain

Patricia Jean McCain, age 70 of Fish Creek, passed away at her home on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Patty was born on June 24, 1954, in Detroit, MI, to the late Harry and Jean (McCollough) Greenshields. Patty attended Western Michigan University where she met her future husband, Douglas McCain. Before they would marry, however, Patty would pursue her passion for helping people in need, particularly women in abusive relationships. After college she joined a national service program called VISTA, where she worked in a women's shelter in Wichita, Kansas, and later worked for Domestic Abuse Prevention (DAP) in Kalamazoo, Michigan helping to care for abused women.

It took a little time, but Patty and Doug finally reunited and were wed at his home in Birmingham, MI in March of 1979. They soon set off to Door County, settling in Ellison Bay where Doug had decided to start a beekeeping business. Ironically, Patty was afraid of bees, and their relationship was tested early in marriage. Love prevailed though, and Patty made an uneasy peace with the little creatures, even after getting stung mid-hug by an errant bee that had hitchhiked on Doug's shoulder.

After a number of years raising their children, Casey and Emily, and a career change by Doug from beekeeping to aviation, Patty finally found her true calling which combined her love of children with her desire to help those in need. She earned her master's degree in counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1994, and then happily served as the Gibraltar school district K through 8th grade guidance counselor for nearly twenty years, forging friendships along the way that would last her lifetime.

Patty was a very active person and loved being outdoors. She enjoyed running, hiking, swimming, and especially dancing. She also loved to travel, and if stuck indoors, was fond of reading and playing word games. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Patty is survived by her husband Douglas; children Casey (Lauren) McCain and Emily (Ryan) Fjelstad; grandchildren Colin and Abigail McCain, and Nora, Graham, and Finley Fjelstad; and brother Bruce Greenshields.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brothers, Tommy and Bob.

A memorial service for Patty will be held at 1:00 on January 17, 2025, at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church (11836 WI-42, Ellison Bay WI 54210) with Rev. James Honig officiating. Visitation will be held on January 17, 2025, from 11:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Habitat for Humanity or the Wisconsin Humane Society.

Expressions of sympathy and memories of Patty may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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