Elisabeth Maria McCain

Elisabeth McCain (nee Krausz), age 97 of White Horse Village, Newtown Square PA, formerly of Springfield, PA passed peacefully on April 25, 2023.

Elisabeth Maria Krausz was born on March 29, 1926 in Slovakia to her parents, Johann and Katharina. The second of six siblings, Elisabeth came to the United States aboard the Queen Elizabeth, arriving at Ellis Island on April 11, 1950. 

After traveling to Philadelphia and working both as a nanny and for a local mortgage company, Elisabeth married Erwin Turner McCain in October 1958. She was happily walked down the aisle by her American family, the Abrahams of Philadelphia. Friends she held dear her entire life.

Erwin and Elisabeth went on to have two sons, Richard and Donald. Throughout her life, Elisabeth was a consummate homemaker and outstanding citizen. Caring for her family, friends, neighbors, and community were among her greatest joys. She was an unrivaled seamstress; whether she was teaching her granddaughter to cross stitch or sewing costumes for Temple's drama program, she was truly at home behind her "diamond ring" - her sewing machine. When not sewing, she could often be found in her kitchen. Her pound cake was legendary, and among her favorite gifts each year were the 20-or-so pounds of butter and sugar she received to bake for family and friends.

After the death of her husband, Erwin, Elisabeth moved to White Horse Village in 1991. She loved White Horse, its staff, and its residents deeply, often saying "this is where I started my second life". A trusted and devoted confidant, Elisabeth was a friend to all. She could be found hosting dinners, out of town guests, and checking on friends in need. She was passionate about volunteering and creating opportunities to make a positive impact on those around her.  Elisabeth received the Volunteer of the Year Award from PANPHA (Pennsylvania Association for Non-Profit Homes for the Aging) in 2011 for her volunteerism efforts at the incredible age of 85.

Whether enjoying a stroll around the White Horse grounds, relaxing lakeside in Northern Pennsylvania, or traveling home to see her beautiful countryside in Germany, Elisabeth reveled in nature. She found joy in everything outdoors and had a persistent need to "get her hands in the dirt".

Family always came first for Elisabeth. She cared for her sons immensely, loved both her daughter-in-law and grandson-in-law as her own, and she adored her Granddaughter, Shannon and Great-Granddaughter, Aubrey. They were the "apples of her eye", even if she sometimes referred to them as "the eyes of her apples". Over the years, "family" extended to include her son's lifelong friends the Thorntons, the Brophys, the Crowes, and more; all of which could often be found gathered together around a table at White Horse, celebrating a holiday over brunch or an early dinner.

For 97-years she loved fiercely, created a sense of community everywhere she went, and gave of herself until the end. Elisabeth's greatest lesson was to always approach life with a positive attitude, gratitude and joy in our hearts.

The family extends their sincerest gratitude to the nurses, doctors, staff and residents at White Horse Village for the kindness and care that they have provided for our Mother, Oma, and Omi throughout her "second life" there. You are truly angels. Thank you.

 Survived by :
Sons: Richard, of Springfield, PA; and Donald (Kathleen) of Oxford, PA; Granddaughter, Shannon Tumolo (David) and Great-Granddaughter, Aubrey of
Oxford, PA. Also survived by her brother, Werner Krausz (Hanna), of Germany, and nephews and nieces.

Predeceased by:
Husband, Erwin Turner McCain (December 17, 1987)
Parents Johann (1983); Katharina (1988) of Germany
Sister Margaret (1989), Brother Johann (2014); Brother Eduard (2013); and Sister Karolina (2023); all of Germany

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 19, 2023 at White Horse Village, 535 Gradyville Rd, Newtown Square, PA in the White Horse Village Auditorium at 1:00 pm. 

Interment will be Private.