In loving memory of
Dora A. McCain

• December 14, 1929
• -
• February 27, 2024

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Dora Acosta McCain, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024 at her home, surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers. She was 94 years old.

Dora was in hospice care at her home in Bradenton, FL, where she lived since returning to the U.S. from her native country of Peru in 2011. In Bradenton, she lived near her two sons and enjoyed the natural tranquility of the Braden River with tropical birds, manatees and occasional dolphins. 

Born in Barranco, Peru on December 14, 1929, first born of Christian Acosta,  Acosta and Lila Pestana Quinones, Dora grew up moving around Peru due to her father’s military career. While living in the Andean city of Cusco, 18 year old Dora doused 30 year old American Edwin McCain with a water balloon during carnival. This chance encounter, followed by two supervised dates and Dora ‘borrowing’ a horse from the cavalry barracks to gallop to the airport to bid her beau farewell, led to marriage two years later. Dora, newlywed and speaking no English, moved to Syracuse, New York in 1950 where the McCains warmly welcomed her into the family and the American way of life.

Dora and Edwin had five children: three in Syracuse, one in Pittsburgh and the last in Fort Lauderdale. In 1961, Dora, one of the only Spanish speakers in Florida, helped welcome the very first Cubans into the United States. Dora organized a long lasting cultural exchange between Miami and Trujillo, Peru for which she received the Key to the City of Miami. The family enjoyed five years on the island of Key Biscayne before Edwin accepted a career move to Peru with Gulf Oil Corp. in 1969, moving the family to Dora’s native country. 

Back in her home country, Dora continued her gift of helping others by organizing poor women in Lima to form cooperatives so that their shared cooking, sewing and handicraft skills could benefit their families. The McCain home in Lima was often alive with family gatherings, extended stays of family members and short stays of hitchhikers whom Edwin would pick up along the way. Dora always looked and dressed her best, at the ready for visits by family or unexpected guests brought home by her husband.  

In her spare time, Dora enjoyed  sewing, knitting and embroidery, which she gifted to family. Dora was present for the birth of all her grandchildren and enjoyed celebrating their milestones. She particularly liked to read about medicine and health, a carryover from her desire to become a doctor- in her era a dream only possible had she decided not to marry and raise children. 

Dora was sought-after for advice and was known to encourage people to take bold moves in search of a better life. As the family matriarch, Dora was the embodiment of grace and resilience. She was a pillar of strength and compassion, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Dora is survived by her five children; Carmela McCain Simmons of Cypress, Texas, Christian McCain of Bradenton, FL, Alec McCain of Bradenton, FL, Yolanda McCain of Veracruz, Mexico and Lila McCain of Newton, MA, Dora is survived by her brother Hernan Acosta Pestana of Araure, Venezuela and Nelly Acosta Pestana of Lima, Peru. She is lovingly survived by eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and countless relatives. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.

A celebration of Dora’s life will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Church of the Holy Cross in Palmetto, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Missionaries of Charity, Attention Sister Sharbel, 727 N.W. 17th St. Miami, FL 33136, in honor of Dora’s memory.

Dora’s legacy of love, compassion, and strength will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.