Aldean McLane

Mrs. Aldean McLane of Davison passed away on July 16, 2011 at home. She was born October 30, 1942 in Pontiac, MI to Joseph Willard and Leona Clautelle (Taylor) Cobble. Beloved wife of Robert E. McLane. Loving mother of David (Angelique) and Derek (Christy). Dear grandmother of Christopher, Madeleine, Brandon, and Alyssa. She is also survived by her brother Joseph W. Jr. (Carol) Cobble, sister Carrie (Emery) Knickerbocker, brother-in-law Gerald (Lois) McLane, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Aldean was a Certified Medical Assistant who worked for over 30 years at Women’s Specialty Group, formerly Flint Women’s Clinic. A memorial gathering will take place from 12 Noon Thurs. until time of Memorial Service 2p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University, Rochester, MI 48307 Rev. Tom Slowinski will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Many things can be said about Aldean McLane. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Aldean was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Her parents were Joseph Willard Cobble and Leona Clautelle Taylor. Aldean was raised in Pontiac, Michigan. When she was young, Aldean's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Aldean demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Aldean grew up with four siblings. She had two older sisters, JoAnn and Virginia, a younger brother, Joseph, and a younger sister, Carrie. Aldean was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Aldean carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Aldean was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

During her high school years, Aldean had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Waterford Township High School in 1961. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Aldean had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Aldean was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Aldean as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

On January 29, 1966 Aldean married Robert E. McLane at the Central Methodist Church of Pontiac, Michigan. Compassionate and devoted, Aldean worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Robert came first in Aldean’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Robert’s feelings. By trusting her emotions, Aldean did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Aldean was truly a person of empathy.

Aldean’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Aldean shared these values with her two children, her sons, David and Derek. Aldean was also blessed with four grandchildren, Christopher, Madeleine, Brandon, and Alyssa. Aldean related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Aldean experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a Certified Medical Assistant. She was employed for over 30 years by Women's Specialty Group, formerly the Flint Women's Clinic. Aldean always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Aldean took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Aldean was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Aldean continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Aldean took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening and artistry. Aldean enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time. She also enjoyed a recreational round of golf now and again. Aldean was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Magic, her cat was a companion to her for the past four years.

Aldean enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Aldean were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included a European vacation, Caribbean cruises, sightseeing in Boston, Massachusetts, and visiting the Canary Islands.

Aldean passed away on July 16, 2011 at home, in Davison, Michigan. Aldean fought a brave battle against a progressive neurological condition. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert, her loving children David (Angelique) and Derek (Christy), her dear grandchildren, Christopher, Madeleine, Brandon, and Alyssa, and her brother Joseph W., Jr. (Carol) Cobble, her sister Carrie (Emery Davis) Knickerbocker, her brother-in-law Gerald (Lois), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Services were held at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester, Michigan on Thursday, July 21, 2011. Aldean will be laid to rest in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint Twp., Michigan at a later date.

Throughout her life, Aldean was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Aldean leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Aldean McLane.