Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of
former First Lady Michelle Obama, passed away at the age of 86. Robinson moved
into the White House with the Obama family, playing a vital role in caring for
her granddaughters and providing stability in one of the world’s most demanding
residences.
"We needed her. The girls needed her.
And she ended up being our rock through it all," the Obama family said in
a statement. Despite avoiding the limelight, Robinson was present during many
of the family's public moments, often seen at holiday celebrations and events
with the former First Couple and their daughters, Sasha and Malia.
On election night in 2008, she was
memorably photographed holding her son-in-law, Barack Obama’s hand, as they
watched the results that would make him the nation’s first Black president.
"At every step, as our families went down paths none of us could have
predicted, she remained our refuge from the storm, keeping our feet on solid
ground," the family’s statement read.
Born in 1937 on the South Side of Chicago,
Robinson was one of seven children. She studied to become a teacher and worked
as a secretary. In 1960, she married Fraser Robinson, and they had two
children, Michelle and Craig Robinson, who were also raised on the South Side.
Fraser Robinson passed away in 1991 after battling multiple sclerosis.
"The trappings and glamour of the
White House were never a great fit for Marian Robinson," her family noted.
Instead of mingling with VIP guests, she preferred spending her time in a
private room near her bedroom, enjoying views of the Washington Monument and
sneaking out to run errands, such as trips to the drugstore.
During the Obamas' tenure in the White
House from 2009 to 2017, the only person she specifically requested to meet was
the Pope, highlighting her humble nature. Robinson is survived by her two
children, their spouses, and six grandchildren.
"She passed peacefully this morning,
and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without
her," the family said.
Marian Robinson’s quiet strength and dedication to her family left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
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