Mercedes McLain, 34

Born Oct. 12, 1989, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to George McLain and Danielle Curry, Mercedes Elizabeth McLain passed away from breast cancer, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Liberty Lake, Wash.

Mercedes was strong willed and passionate. Conversations with her were never superficial and always philosophical and insightful. She had a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. From the time she was a little girl, Mercedes was an advocate for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves. She was deeply compassionate and had a desire to help others. This influenced her career path of helping individuals with various challenges and the involvement in numerous activism causes.

She liked to try new things and learn about other cultures and was fascinated by people, which led her to study anthropology. As a result, Mercedes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from Eastern Washington University in 2017 and a master’s degree in behavioral analysis from Arizona State University in 2021. She worked as a Masters Level Clinician at Frontier Behavioral Health, a Behavioral Analyst at Ambitions of Idaho and as a Program Director for Light House II.

Mercedes knew her greatest accomplishment was her son, Santiago, “Sonny.” He was her heart and her everything. She was so proud of how kind he was and the young man he was becoming. Throughout her life, Mercedes stayed connected with her Native American roots, the Cree Tribe from Canada. She liked being in nature, hiking, snowboarding, disc golf, photography, writing, beading, karaoke and spending time with family and friends.

Mercedes is survived by son Santiago Araiza; sister Maci McLain-Hegbloom; parents George McLain, Michael and Danielle Curry; grandparents Dante Bisaro, Gerald Murray, Delvin and Patty Mitchell; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Derino and Johnnie Bisaro; son Derino McLain Araiza; grandmothers Mary Murray and Gail Bisaro; uncles Sheldon McLain and Kimowan McLain; and cousin Tanner Bisaro.

The funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, followed by a celebration of life reception at the Inland NW Wildlife Council, 6116 N. Market St., Spokane.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.hennesseyvalley.com.