Ida C McLean

Only five months after celebrating her 98th birthday with Leola Bolger, her childhood friend of 96 years, Ida McLean passed away in Orleans, Massachusetts, on November 13, 2025 at The Terraces. The cause of death was simply living a full ninety-eight years.

Mrs. McLean was born in New York City, New York, on June 23, 1927, to Ida R. Cawley and James T. Cawley. She attended The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, NY, and graduated from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, in 1948.

As a child, she was a member of Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck, NY, and won hundreds of swim meets (and medals) during her youth. As an adult, she and her family enjoyed membership at the Westchester Country Club swimming and sitting in the sun, which were always a life-long joy.

In February 1951 she married John M. McLean. Her wedding picture reveals quite a scene: the wedding mass was celebrated by The Most Reverend William A. Scully, Auxilary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, and she was attended by six bridesmaids. She is also seen in a full-length white ermine coat which she was always quick to point out, was borrowed. The couple raised their four children in Scarsdale, NY, and relocated in 1971 to Yarmouth, MA.

While living on the Cape, she truly loved both of her jobs and made many friends, first at Buttner’s in Hyannis, and later at Green Harbor Resort in West Yarmouth. In 1990 she retired full-time to Jupiter, Florida, living right on the Intra-coastal waterway until her 97 birthday!

Her parents and husband preceded her in death as did her devoted sister, Jeanne C. Maloney, her son James R. McLean in 2024, son-in-law Bob Stead, her niece Barbara Maloney and nephew Jimmy Maloney. Family that remains are her children Connie McLean-Stead of Yarmouth Port, MA, Cindy McLean Benedict (Matthew) of South Bend, IN, and Rev. John M. McLean of Kalamazoo, MI; two grandsons, Kyle Stead (Cammie) and Doug Stead (Michelle); and six great-grandchildren.

Also cherishing her memory are the children of her late sister Jeanne, who lovingly called her “Idie”: Edward Maloney (Sally), Peter Maloney (Carol), Maureen Bowen, Jeffrey Maloney, Mari Maloney (Cindy Santannera), and Tara Parsley. Among the many dear friends who will miss her are Leola Bolger and her many Florida long-time Bluffs friends.

Mrs. McLean enjoyed attending live theatre and musical performances, was an enthusiastic lifelong learner, taking scores of classes after her retirement at Florida Atlantic University. For a decade or two, Ida was a building representative for the Marina at the Bluffs Community Association, responsible for all new owner’s & renter’s orientations, started in-season weekly bingo, a book group and a lending library. She was known as a wonderful friend—willing to go anywhere, with anyone, for any good reason. She was a great mom and a generous mother-in-law, fully appreciated by each of her sons-in-law. Mrs. McLean was also a steadfast advocate for her gay son, nephew, and niece.

She was always up for a game of bingo, was an inveterate bridge player, and loved to dine at any restaurant where she could “see the water.” It would be a fond tribute to Ida if you would enjoy your ice cream without a trace of guilt.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Staff at The Terraces Orleans, and Broadreach Hospice, for their kindness and compassionate care. Services will be private.