NEW DELHI: Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama, passed away on Friday at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering support and love for her family. As the grandmother of Malia and Sasha Obama, she played a crucial role in their upbringing, especially during the eight years of Barack Obama‘s presidency.
“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 statement read, highlighting the significance of her presence in their lives. Robinson died peacefully on Friday morning, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on her loved ones.
Robinson’s life was marked by the challenges and triumphs of being an African American woman in the United States. Born in 1937 on Chicago‘s South Side, she witnessed firsthand the racial disparities that affected her family. Her father, denied opportunities due to the color of his skin, “grew mistrustful of a world that seemed to have little place for him,” the family shared. Despite these obstacles, Robinson’s daughter and son-in-law would go on to make history as the first Black family in the White House.
While living at the White House, Robinson found comfort in the simpler things. She preferred the company of the ushers and butlers, the people who made the White House feel like a home, rather than mingling with celebrities and dignitaries. Her humble nature and genuine connections with others were a testament to her character.
Throughout her life, Robinson dedicated herself to her family and her work. She married in 1960 and had two children, including the former first lady. She also worked as a teacher and a secretary, demonstrating her commitment to education and hard work. During her time at the White House, she would often venture outside the gates to purchase greeting cards, and when recognized by others, she would simply smile and reply, “Oh, I get that a lot.”
“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 statement read, highlighting the significance of her presence in their lives. Robinson died peacefully on Friday morning, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on her loved ones.
Robinson’s life was marked by the challenges and triumphs of being an African American woman in the United States. Born in 1937 on Chicago‘s South Side, she witnessed firsthand the racial disparities that affected her family. Her father, denied opportunities due to the color of his skin, “grew mistrustful of a world that seemed to have little place for him,” the family shared. Despite these obstacles, Robinson’s daughter and son-in-law would go on to make history as the first Black family in the White House.
While living at the White House, Robinson found comfort in the simpler things. She preferred the company of the ushers and butlers, the people who made the White House feel like a home, rather than mingling with celebrities and dignitaries. Her humble nature and genuine connections with others were a testament to her character.
Throughout her life, Robinson dedicated herself to her family and her work. She married in 1960 and had two children, including the former first lady. She also worked as a teacher and a secretary, demonstrating her commitment to education and hard work. During her time at the White House, she would often venture outside the gates to purchase greeting cards, and when recognized by others, she would simply smile and reply, “Oh, I get that a lot.”
