Dora McLean

Dora E. McLean Dora Evelyn McLean, 95, Fargo, ND, died Sunday, June 17, 2007 at Bethany Homes, Fargo. Dora Evelyn McLean was born to Andrew and Eva Magnuson on September 29, 1911, in Eden Valley Township, Renville County near Sherwood, ND. She attended school in Sherwood and graduated high school from there in 1930. Thereafter, she received a teaching certificate at Minot State Teachers College. Dora worked for a time in the Minot area before returning to Sherwood where she worked for the WPA managing parks projects. Dora Evelyn Magnuson and John Harvey McLean were married on December 31, 1936, and instantly Dora became the mother to Harvey?s 4 children, Enid, Keith, Hugh, and Jay. They came to Fargo in 1938 and built their home at 1254 7th Street North where Dora lived until just a few years ago. Dora?s steadfast devotion to her family was tested when her husband passed in 1955. Left with four sons and a daughter, Dora bravely persevered. Dora insisted that her children receive an education and worked to support the household. Dora was employed by The Opportunity School before joining the staff of the Florence Crittendon Home, later Fraser, Ltd. Fraser Ltd. Dora worked at Fraser Hall until her retirement at age 75. Over the years, Dora opened her doors to NDSU students looking for a safe and comfortable place to live. Dora hosted numerous international students and enjoyed the diverse perspective and culture each bore. Additionally, Dora was an active member of her church where she belonged to a Circle and often volunteered her time. Dora was an avid card player and rarely lost a game of Whist. Always a fashion plate, Dora was a familiar face at DeLendrecie?s Department Store. Dora?s later years were filled with the joys of being a grandmother. After her retirement, she and her granddaughter, Chelsea, were nearly inseparable. The 24 years they shared were filled with much laughter, many hugs, and numerous dolls, frilly dresses, and gingersnap cookies. Their bond was deep and impenetrable and brought both of them great joy. For the last few years Dora resided in Bethany Towers. While there, she made a close and special friend, Lydia Enoe, who was like a granddaughter to her. The family will always remember Lydia?s exceptional care and friendship. Dora?s iron will, mischievous spirit, and endless strength shall not be forgotten. She was a solid, steadfast figure in the lives of many and the lessons and wisdom she shared shall live on for generations to come. She is survived by her sons, Keith (Hazel) McLean, Bismarck, ND, Hugh McLean, Ocala, FL, Jay (Elizabeth) McLean, Madison, WI, Ron (Mona) McLean, Fargo, ND; her sister, Florence Nelson, Minot, ND;16 grandchildren and many great and great great grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Harvey, daughter, Enid McLane, daughter-in-law, Beverly McLean, parents, Andrew and Eva Magnuson, 1 sister, Helen Nelson, and 8 brothers, Gustav, Elmer, Albert, Victor, Ted, Harry, Cliff, and Arnold. The family requests memorials be directed to Fraser, Ltd. Visitation: Thursday 4-6 p.m. ? Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND Friday 10-11 a.m. ? First United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND Prayer Service: Thursday 6 p.m. ? Boulger Funeral Home Funeral: Friday, 11 a.m. -- First United Methodist Church, Fargo Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home Online guestbook www.boulgerfuneralhome.com