Mary Ann McLean

She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Robert McLean, her children Robert (Elizabeth), Nicole (Richard) and Malia (Shawn), and her seven cherished grandchildren: Robert, Margaret, Andrieu, Tyler, Abigail, Dylan and Kennedy.

Mary Ann was born and raised in Jackson Heights, New York. She had a career in advertising on Madison Avenue until 1966 when she married Lieutenant Robert “Bob” McLean. Together they embarked on a life of adventure and service as a Navy family living in Jacksonville, Florida, Coronado and Long Beach, California, Columbus, Ohio, Honolulu, HI and ultimately settling in Springfield, VA. As a military spouse, Mary Ann gracefully navigated relocations, long separations during deployments - including Bob’s extended deployment to Vietnam- and the countless demands of raising a family. Through it all she was the unwavering anchor for her husband and children. Wherever life took her, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships, creating a circle of friends who became an extension of her family.

Mary Ann enjoyed shopping excursions, memorable road trips throughout the US and Canada, and travels across Europe with Bob. She believed that life’s pleasures were meant to be enjoyed and was quick to encourage others to “treat yourself, you deserve it”. Her infectious smile and unmistakable laugh brought joy to those around her. She had a warm heart and never met a stranger. Her greatest gift was her ability to connect with people. She cherished friendships that lasted a lifetime and could turn a chance encounter into a meaningful conversation, often leaving strangers feeling as though they had known her for years.

A devoted wife and mother, Mary Ann generously gave her time and energy to support her family’s many activities, including volksmarching, cheerleading, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and drama club. She took great joy in helping others succeed and thrive.

Mary Ann was a faithful and devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church. She volunteered generously within the parish community and served as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing comfort, companionship and spiritual support to the elderly and homebound. Her life was marked by compassion, service and an enduring commitment to helping others. This devotion was perhaps most evident in the loving care she provided to her mother during her final years of her life with her same grace, compassion, and selflessness ensuring her mother was surrounded by comfort, dignity and family. She was truly a selfless person that gave her time and energy for others.

Above all, Mary Ann will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, “Nana” and friend. Her kindness, generosity, unwavering faith, and boundless love for her family will remain her enduring legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We will miss your smile, your laugh, your stories, your phone calls, and the unconditional love, guidance, and laughter. You taught us the importance of kindness, faith, and friendship. Your warmth made everyone feel welcome, your strength carried us through life’s challenges, and your love will remain with us forever.

We love you!!

A viewing will be held June 10 at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA from 5 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held on June 11 at 10 am at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Springfield, Virginia. Internment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the internment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Mary Ann’s memory.