Marian Robinson
Marian Robinson | |
---|---|
Born | Marian Lois Shields July 30, 1937 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Died | May 31, 2024 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | (aged 86)
Known for | Mother of Michelle Obama |
Spouse | |
Children | Craig Robinson Michelle Obama |
Relatives | Barack Obama (son-in-law) |
Marian Lois Robinson (
Ancestry and early life
Marian Shields was born in Chicago in on July 30, 1937,
Personal life
Shields married Fraser Robinson III on October 27, 1960, in Chicago.[7] They had two children together, Craig Malcolm and Michelle LaVaughn, named after Fraser's mother.[3] Fraser died from multiple sclerosis in 1991.[8]
Robinson worked as a secretary for mail-order retailer
Robinson died in Chicago on May 31, 2024, at the age of 86.[8][9] In a joint statement, Michelle and Barack said that Shields "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" and that "In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example."[10]
Relationship with Michelle Obama
Michelle described her mother as forthright and honest, and spoke of her implacability and her silent support as a child and beyond.[2] Shields used to take her daughter Michelle to the library long before she started school and used to sit beside her as she learned to read and write. Usually the kind of mother who expected her children to settle their own disputes, Shields was quick to see real distress and stepped in to help when needed. For example, when Michelle was in second grade and was distressed because of being devalued by a teacher, Shields advocated for her and was instrumental in getting her daughter better learning opportunities at school. Shields encouraged her children to communicate with her about all subjects by being available when needed and giving practical advice. She entertained Michelle's school friends when they visited and enabled her to make her own choices in important matters.[2]
Obama campaign and life in the White House
While Michelle and Barack Obama campaigned for
References
- ^ "Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama who lived in the White House, dies at 86". AP News. May 31, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-5247-6313-8.
- ^ a b c d Skiba, Katherine (March 8, 2010). "First grandma keeps low profile". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
- ^ a b Trotter, Greg (May 12, 2015). "Michelle Obama's grandfather, known as Southside, was a 'magnet'". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ a b Swarns, Rachel L. (June 16, 2012). "Meet Your Cousin, the First Lady: A Family Story, Long Hidden". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- ^ a b Swarns, Rachel L.; Kantor, Jodi (October 7, 2009). "In First Lady's Roots, a Complex Path From Slavery". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- Radar. Archived from the originalon January 23, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
- ^ a b O'Donnell, Kelly; Lee, Carol E. (May 31, 2024). "Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's mother, dies at 86". NBC News. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Rogers, Katie (May 31, 2024). "Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama's Mother, Dies at 86". The New York Times. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Obama, Barack (May 31, 2024). "Statement on the Passing of Mrs. Marian Robinson". Medium. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ Swarns, Rachel L. (January 9, 2009). "Obama's Mother-in-Law to Move Into the White House". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
- ^ Palmer, Ewan (July 30, 2019). "Barack Obama Praises Michelle's Mom In Heartfelt Facebook Post: 'She's Been There For Us Every Day'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
Further reading
- Swarns, Rachel L. (2012). American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama. New York: Amistad. OCLC 782988218. Retrieved June 2, 2024.