News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd June 2024
A Matriarch Remembered for Her Dedication and Love
Marian Shields Robinson, the beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has passed away at the age of 86. The news was announced by Michelle Obama and other family members, who described her as an irreplaceable figure in their lives. “In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life,” they said in a heartfelt statement.
From Chicago to the White House
A lifelong resident of Chicago and a widow, Mrs. Robinson moved to the White House in 2009 when her son-in-law, Barack Obama, was elected President. At the age of 71, she initially resisted the move to Washington, preferring to stay in Chicago. However, Michelle Obama, with the help of her brother Craig, persuaded her mother to join the family in the executive mansion. Mrs. Robinson ultimately agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to be close to her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, and to help provide them with a sense of normalcy amidst their parents’ demanding roles.
A Pillar of Support
In Chicago, Mrs. Robinson had been a near-parental figure to Malia and Sasha during the intense 2008 presidential campaign. She retired from her job as a bank secretary to support her family, shuttling her granddaughters to and from activities. At the White House, her presence continued to be a source of comfort and stability for the girls. Without the encumbrance of Secret Service protection, Mrs. Robinson was able to accompany Malia and Sasha to school and other activities without drawing attention.
The Rock of the Obama Family
Michelle Obama has often spoken about her mother’s profound influence on her life. In her 2018 memoir, “Becoming,” she wrote, “I would not be who I am today without the steady hand and unconditional love of my mother, Marian Shields Robinson. Her boundless love for my girls, and her willingness to put our needs before her own, gave me the comfort and confidence to venture out into the world knowing they were safe and cherished at home.”
A Life of Anonymity and Adventure
Despite living in one of the world’s most famous residences, Mrs. Robinson maintained a level of privacy that was envied by many. This anonymity allowed her to enjoy everyday activities such as shopping, attending events at the Kennedy Center, and traveling. Notably, she attended White House events, including concerts, the annual Easter Egg Roll, National Christmas Tree lighting, and state dinners.
Moving to the White House also broadened Mrs. Robinson’s horizons. Having been a widow for nearly 20 years and never traveled outside the U.S., she embarked on her first international trip aboard Air Force One in 2009 to France. She later joined the Obamas on trips to Russia, Italy, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, and China, experiencing new cultures and significant historical sites.
Early Life and Legacy
Born on July 30, 1937, in Chicago, Marian Lois Shields Robinson was one of seven children. She attended two years of teaching college and married Fraser Robinson III in 1960. As a stay-at-home mother, she emphasized the importance of education to her children, both of whom graduated from Ivy League schools. Michelle Obama earned a law degree from Harvard, while Craig Robinson pursued a career in coaching and administration.
Fraser Robinson, who worked as a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department, passed away in 1991 after battling multiple sclerosis.
A Family’s Tribute
The Obama family’s tribute to Mrs. Robinson highlights her enduring legacy of love, support, and resilience. Her life story, from the streets of Chicago to the corridors of the White House, reflects a journey marked by dedication to her family and an unwavering commitment to their well-being. As the family mourns her loss, they celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who was, and always will be, a cornerstone of their lives.
