Obituary of Robin Rae McLean

MCLEAN, ROBIN RAE

 

Passed away peacefully on Feb 9, 2019 at the young age of 65. Preceded in death by her parents Neil & June, and husband Jack. Survived by Daughter Megan (Collier) White and Brothers Michael (Janice) McLean & Scott (Pamela) McLean, Niece Michelle (Chris Leighton) and Stepchildren.

 

Robin Rae McLean was born on May 2, 1953 the third child to Neil and June McLean and joining her brothers Scottie and Mike. The temperature that day reached a high of 46. The world became a sunnier place to be on that day.

She was fortunate to live in and grow up in cities like St. Louis Park, Edina, Tucson, Wichita and back to Edina.

Robin loved people and people loved Robin, this was evident by her having lifelong friends going as far back as Kindergarten. This group of ladies still meet every 5 years and go on special trips to stay in touch, have fun and rekindle their lifelong friendship.

Robin had many exciting jobs in her life, her first job while in high school was working as a maid at the local Howard Johnsons. There she met Janice Hodgkins who was one of her best friends to the end. After high school she went to Beauty school, graduated and worked at Christian’s near Lake Calhoun.

Robin married Mark Chico Perez. They later moved to California to make it big in the music industry. Great idea but sadly it did not happen that way, Chico returned to Minnesota while Robin stayed to enjoy California.

She worked at Pacific States University as the Secretary to the President, this is where she met and married the very charismatic Jack Chastain. This union gave the world Megan Chastain who has turned into a beautiful young lady. The union also produced a blended family. Robin cherished and loved all of her step children as if they were her own. Jack and Robin eventually divorced but remained friends to assist in raising Megan together.

Robin’s career involved working for the airlines. She started with America West Airlines as a ticketing agent and baggage handler which caused her almost constant back issues later in life.

Robin and Megan moved back to the Twin Cities. It was moving back for Robin but moving to a new place for Meg. They settled in Bloomington. Meg attended Olson Middle School and then Jefferson High school while Robin remained with the airlines.

Robin always had a passion for taking care of older people. In 2004, she graduated from Normandale Junior College as a Certified Nursing Assistant with a 3.9 GPA. She worked as a CNA for several local companies before being offered a position as a live in caretaker for a family friend in San Diego. She took care of him for two years before returning back to Minnesota.

In 2010 we could see changes in Robin such as forgetfulness and confusion, it was then she was diagnosed with Dementia. Robin fought cancer twice once in the early 1980’s with Malignant Melanoma and Breast Cancer in 2016. She endured one cycle of Chemo and Radiation and was given the “AOK” from the Doctors. Unfortunately a month ago her cancer returned and was aggressively metastasizing into her liver and bones. Robin was a strong person who fought to hang on as long as she could but couldn’t win this time.

A special thank you to the Victoria Care Center and the Park Nicollet Hospice teams for all of their support by showering Robin with laughter, music, love and dignity. Our family is forever grateful to all of you.

Thanks for the memories Rockin Robin you will be forever in our hearts!

 

A Celebration of Life will be held later this Spring.