A Family’s Heartfelt Farewell
In a moving Instagram post, former First Lady Michelle Obama bid farewell to her beloved mother, Marian Robinson, who passed away on May 31 at the age of 86. Accompanied by a family statement, Michelle’s touching caption called her mom her “rock, always there for whatever I needed.”
The statement, signed by Michelle, her brother Craig Robinson, and other family members, eulogized the remarkable life of the matriarch they knew as a steady force and unwavering support system.
A Humble Upbringing and Enduring Love
Born in 1937 in Chicago’s South Side, Marian Lois Shields grew up in a small house with seven siblings. Despite humble beginnings, she instilled in her children the value of education as “their ticket to a better life.”
Marian married Fraser C. Robinson III in 1960, and the couple worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for their children Craig and Michelle, taking out secret loans to afford the best schools.
The “First Grandma” and Pillar of the Obama Family
When the Obamas moved into the White House in 2009, Marian, affectionately known as the “First Grandma,” reluctantly left her beloved Chicago home to be a constant presence for granddaughters Malia and Sasha.
“On Election Night in 2008…she was there holding his hand. 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,” the family’s statement read.
A Legacy of Strength and Unconditional Love
As messages of condolence poured in, a common thread emerged – Marian Robinson’s quiet strength, warmth, and unwavering support for her family.
“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. 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,” the statement concluded.
Michelle Obama’s heartfelt tribute paints a portrait of a remarkable woman whose legacy will forever be cherished by the family she loved so dearly.
