Marian Robinson, mother-in-law to Obama, passes away at 86 – Afro American Newspaper
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
(NNPA Newswire) Marian Robinson, mother to former first lady Michelle Obama, died on May 31, at age 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinsons presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.
Marian Lois Shields set out on a journey that was characterized by fortitude and compassion after emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Chicagos South Side. From her early days as a teacher to her later role as a trusted secretary, Robinsons life was a testament to the values of family and service, showcasing her personal achievements and contributions.
In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle Obama fondly recalled her mothers enduring influence, describing her as the unwavering pillar of their family. Robinsons wisdom, honed through lifes diverse experiences, was a beacon of light during times of uncertainty. Her steadfast support and gentle nature were not just sources of strength but unique qualities that endeared her to the entire Obama clan.
Throughout Barack Obamas historic presidency, Marian Robinson was a symbol of stability, offering sage advice and unconditional love. Despite the grandeur of the White House, she maintained her down-to-earth charm, forging deep connections with staff and finding solace in everyday routines, thereby extending her influence beyond her immediate family.
Reflecting on her mothers legacy, Michelle Obama shared cherished memories of their time, illustrating their profound bond. Robinsons unwavering presence and nurturing spirit created a sense of home amidst the whirlwind of public life.
Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality, it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the worlds roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace, the family said.
Michelle, Barack, Malia and Sasha Obama; and Craig, Kelly, Avery, Leslie, Austin and Aaron Robinson joined to pen a heartfelt remembrance of the matriarch.
Our mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother had a way of summing up the truths about life in a word or two, maybe a quick phrase that made everyone around her stop and think, they wrote. Dont sweat the small stuff. Know whats truly precious. As a parent, youre not raising babies youre raising little people. Dont worry about whether anybody else likes you. Come home. Well always like you here.
The family recalled that, as a young woman, Robinson studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary. She fell quickly and madly in love with Fraser Robinson, another South-Sider with a boxers strength and jazz-lovers cool. Together, they raised two children, Craig and Michelle, in a tiny upstairs apartment on Euclid Avenue in South Shore.
Robinson volunteered for the PTA and taught her children to read at an early age, sitting together as they sounded out words on a page, giving them the strength and confidence to walk to school and out into the world all on their own. She once chewed out a police officer who had accused Craig of stealing a bike, demanding that the adult apologize to her son.
On summer nights, shed pack the family into the car with a steaming plate of chicken for a trip to the drive-in movies. On New Years Eve, shed pass around pigs in a blanket and raise a toast to Auld Lang Syne. And every night, for years on end, she and Fraser would hold court at the dinner table, where they indulged all manner of questioning, teaching their children to believe in the power and worth of their own voices.
On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand, the family wrote. With a healthy nudge, she agreed to move to the White House with Michelle and Barack. We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all.
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Marian Robinson, mother-in-law to Obama, passes away at 86 - Afro American Newspaper