Barbara Kathleen McLean

Barbara "Kathy" McLean, age 71 of Warren, died Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. She was born in Detroit on April 2, 1943, daughter of the late Michael "Mack" and the late Catherine Anastasia (nee: Sammon) Hunt.In her earlier years, there were many things that caught Kathy's eye, but none-so-much as a fine & sexy car,…just like that Smokin' Hot '59 Red Plymouth Convertible that pulled into Alpine's Drive-In one fateful night and changed her life. Well, to be true,…it wasn't so much the car that did it as it was the hunk behind the wheel. That's right,…it was the car that hooked her, but the owner who reeled her in for the ride of a lifetime. It was there that a relationship would take seed and eventually grow into the love that drew them to the altar at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Detroit where Roger & Kathy were married on July 28, 1962. After sharing their vows and making those heartfelt promises to each other, their walk down the aisle was just the beginning of the journey they would share that was speckled with love that came in many colors. From building a home to raising 3 beautiful children together, they poured the best part of themselves into nurturing the warmth and love of family,…and it is truly seen in the lives of their kids.Yet her capacity to care wasn't merely reserved for family, it was a compassionate trait that many came to know and appreciate. Known more affectionately as the "Kathy Taxi," she donned that title for the countless times she would be called upon to pick somebody up or give them a lift somewhere. With her keys at the ready and her ear to the phone, she was always willing to take people where they needed to go and help them accomplish their tasks. She always put the needs of others' first, and never asked for anything in return. She was a protector, a nurturer, a caretaker,…and quite the "funny woman" from time to time, as well. With all of her responsibilities at bay, Friday night's were always something special as that was when her "Bunco Buddies" convened for a little card playin' action, some rousing conversation, and an evening of entertainment that raised the roof. They were "loud & proud"…and unashamed! Then there was her love of a good party, and always extra-special when it took place at a wedding where she would dance the night away in the warm embrace of her man. Another of her favorite memories was the annual "Girl's Weekend" in the fall. Each year, a cadre of her family and extended family would gather for a weekend of pleasure in the beautiful backdrop of St. Helen's, Michigan. Lord only knows what those girls cooked up, but they sure had a great time doing it,…and it was a tradition that Kathy lived for and anticipated with exuberance.A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Kathy's legacy of love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and be touched by her. Every time we hear a Motown tune (her favorite) on the radio, we won't be able to hold back a little smile for Kathy. To her Daddy, she was the "Blonde Bomber"…a term of endearment for his little girl because, naturally,…she was his favorite. But to all, she was one of the most generous, unselfish and giving people the world has ever seen. She was loved & cherished by each soul she touched,…and they're simply too many to count. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Kathy was the beloved wife of Roger. Dearest mother of Kimberly Chaney, Robert McLean, and Denise (Greg) Korotko. Loving grandmother of Lauren, Kyle, Anastasia, and Aidan. Devoted sister of MaryLou, Larry, Ronald, Bernie, Tim, Joanne, the late Marjorie, and the late Betty. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Visitation for Kathy will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. She will lie in state on Monday from 10:00am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Warren. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Arthritis Foundation – Michigan Chapter, 1050 Wilshire Drive, Suite #302, Troy, MI 48084 or to their website at www.arthritis.org. Please share memories of Kathy at her memory book.