Lavinia "Binny" McLean Fischer

San Rafael, CA - May 6, 1937 — August 31, 2020

Binny Fischer was born Lavinia Rundle McLean in Danbury, Connecticut, to Clara Louise [Mallory] and Charles Stuart McLean, Jr. She lived in Danbury, then (after her mother's remarriage to Hugh Courtney Harris) in Larchmont, NY, and Wyoming, OH. Binny graduated from Wyoming High, Smith College, then spent a year working in the Netherlands, and two years teaching elementary school.

She met her future husband, Chuck Fischer, at Wyoming High School, but they didn't date until years later. They married in Danbury, lived briefly in Portland, then moved south to San Rafael. Binny and two children, then three, lived in Ohio during Chuck's two-year Army service.

Binny partnered with Chuck in adventures large and small. After Viet Nam, Chuck resumed civilian practice with San Rafael Medical Group. Binny and Chuck sailed together, in small boats and larger ones; as the kids (now four) grew, they traveled farther together. Much of Binny's life focused on nature, birding, and service: she served as a docent and on the board of Audubon Canyon Ranch, participated in research on heron/egret rookeries, and tutored new readers at the local elementary school. In their 70s, Binny and Chuck served together on medical service trips to Guatemala.

Binny loved bringing the family together, building traditions, and traveling with them to far-flung and exotic destinations (in 2018, to Madagascar and then round-the-world). She always tried to do "the right thing" - delivering meals to friends and neighbors, and writing every thank-you note. Binny and Chuck were deeply involved in their church: they served as deacons, and Binny sang in the choir. They enjoyed supper clubs and book clubs with their many friends.

Binny remained active during the 3 months after her cancer diagnosis. She was delighted with meals, calls, and cards from friends during her illness. She died peacefully at home, after a mercifully rapid decline, with all her children present.

She was predeceased by Charles (Chuck) Fischer, her husband of 57 years, and brother Alec McLean. She is survived by siblings Polly Bassett, Terrace Park, OH; Hugh Harris (Diane), Elgin, AZ; Charles S. "Mike" McLean (Hilda), Goose Creek, SC; Julie Davis, Eighty-Four, PA; Jane Phillips (Dean), North Creek, NY; children, Courtney Fischer, San Rafael; Will Fischer (Janette), Santa Fe; Lauren Patterson (Dave), Ft. Collins; Doug Fischer (Robbie), Santa Barbara; grandchildren, Dalton and Cole Patterson, Kara Fischer, Jasper Fischer; and two great-grandchildren.

An online memorial service will be held on Sat. Oct. 24 at 11a PDT (2p EDT). Details are at www.fpcsr.org

The family requests donations in lieu of flowers. Among Binny's favorite charities were the First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, the Sierra Club, and Emily's List.

Photos and a longer version of this obituary are available through Keaton's Funeral Home at https://tinyurl.com/binny-fischer-obit

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Sep. 18 to Oct. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Lavinia Fischer

7 Entries

Dan Suther

November 2, 2020

The best childhood memory I have of Binny and Chuck is sailing with our families in the Bay sometime in the mid-late 70s. Great day, and still the only time I’ve set foot on Angel Island. We reconnected around my dad’s death a few years ago, and visited several times after that. Such lovely people, both of them, ever-polite yet full of substantive (and probing) discussions. I got to understand why Dad cared about them so deeply.

We’re thinking especially of you kids right now. It’s been a particularly tough year for you.

Matt Calegari

October 31, 2020

I grew up in San Rafael on the same street as Binnie, Chuck, and the kids. My brother and I would play basketball in their driveway and they were always so kind. Even when the ball went all over the place.

In my teens they built some kind of Kit-Car convertible and Binnie looked like a British Royal as she’d drive down to Bruno’s Market in her scarf and floppy hat.

Binnie always had a zest and enthusiasm for life. Boundless energy and positivity. I want to be like her when I grow up. ( and I want a Kit car too ! )

You kids should obviously be very proud of your parents. All the best.

Matt Calegari

Ann P

September 27, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Karyn Jordan

September 27, 2020

Lauren amd Doug - I am so sorry to read about your mom. I have such memories of hangin our at your house so often in high school. I really liked both your parents. Cancer took my mom as well. It’s a horrible disease. I am sending you both virtual hugs.

Robert Bostonian

Planted Trees

Lauren Patterson

September 25, 2020

Pamela Champion Franklin

September 22, 2020

I knew Binnie as a wonderful literacy tutor at San Pedro School. The impact she had with these incredible kids will live on. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed.

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