Marian Edna McLean
December 20, 1943 - July 23, 2021
Marian passed quietly in her long time Noe Valley residence. A San Franciscan "born and bred," Marian was daughter to the late Alger and Marie McLean, sister to Bob McLean (Lucinda Kelly), Bill McLean (Suzanne), Virginia McLean Walters (John), sister-in-law to Lorraine (deceased), and "Super Aunt" to seventeen nieces and nephews, including one great, great nephew.
A woman of remarkable spirit and eternal good humor, Marian endured a three-year struggle with cancer. A member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for seven years, she remained close to that community and was active in its Social Justice Committee. Working as a lawyer and mediator, she lived out her favorite quote, "If you want peace, work for justice." Marian also found time to travel widely and bring back beautiful photos and great stories.
She will be sorely missed by her family and many friends to whom she unreservedly offered help, mentoring, and comfort when needed. Our gatherings will not be the same, absent of Marian's infectious laughter and humorous vignettes.
We say to you, Marian, in the words of your favorite Celtic writer, John O'Donohue, "Your friends who now live in the eternal world come to meet you, to bring you home."
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Cecilia's Church, 2555 17th. Ave., San Francisco, CA.
Donations in Marian's name may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names at P.0. Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031 or to a charity of your choice. Committal Services will be private.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 30 to Aug. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Marian McLean

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

16 Entries

Elizabeth McLoughlin Sanders

June 28, 2025

Marian, You were so kind. Such a friend. You were there for me in good times -holding a baby shower for me in 1980, and not so good times when my husband, Tom Sanders was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. You knew Tom's father, Dick through your work for him at O'Gara and McGuire. Though we didn't know each other at the time, I believe we were in different graduating classes at Mercy High School, San Francisco. It seems you would appear whenever I needed emotional support. Thank you for being you.

Arnold Evje

July 27, 2024

She was absolutely one of a kind. Generous and kind. A special human being, missed by all whose life she touched.

Denise Paulson

July 24, 2023

I have many wonderful memories of Marian. She is missed and thought of.

DENISE LAVERNE PAULSON

July 24, 2022

Marian will always remain in my mind as one of the finest human beings ever to walk on earth.

Gilbert and Peggy (Perham) Turner

February 3, 2022

Our family feels such a great loss of such a kind, talented, and loving person! We knew Marian through our sister, Nancy Perham, who was Marian's close friend all of the years she lived in SF where she worked as a lawyer. Nancy retired to Maine in 2011, and in 2021 moved to Coronado Retirement Village, CA. A recent conversation with Nancy she told me to say "give my love to everyone!" That includes you, dear Marian, in your home in heaven continuing to spread your love to all of us down here on earth! God bless you as you have blessed all of us!
Love and gratitude, Peggy and Gil, Nancy, Mary Ann, Martha, Doug, and John, and others of the Perham Family who have passed on!

Lillie Ellison

August 7, 2021

Marian was a great friend and neighbor. What a kind, loving and thoughtful person. She will always have a special place in my heart. Miss you always and happy you are now at peace.

My deepest condolences to her family.

Erika&Robert Schittli

August 5, 2021

Robert and Erika will miss our wonderful friend Marian very much. We enjoyed all the get together at the Hearts desire beach at all our houses and the wonderful cruise
around Cuba we had in 2014. We send our deepest Sympathy to Marians families and friends.
Sincerely Erika & Robert Schittli

Arnold Evje

August 4, 2021

With her kindness, generosity and selflessness, Marian brought goodness and light to whomever and wherever she went. The world is a lesser place without her. Vale

Rosadia "Chading" Escueta

August 3, 2021

I met Marian McLean around 1968 in the San Francisco Juvenile Justice system & specifically the girls cottage. The girls were causing a "ruckus". I was alone as my coworker was ill and a substitute was called in to assist. My supervisor described Marian as this "nice girl who just got out of the convent." You can imagine my reaction!! We survived the ruckus. Marian and I became fast friends from that time on. She continued to become a lawyer specializing in special education and I, a probation officer. Our half century of friendship included journeys of individual and shared travels, experiences and reflections. Marian was a wonderful, positive, supportive person who blessed me and my family with her presence. We will all miss her.

Aileen Scatena

August 1, 2021

Bob, I´m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers . Warmly, Aileen

Nancy Milburn

August 1, 2021

Marian was a bright light. We knew each other as mediator colleagues. She was always positive and upbeat. When there were issues to be solved, she focused her energies on solutions, not complaints. She was fun and so smart. What an asset to your family she must have been and I can only imagine how much you will miss her.

Sally Casas

July 31, 2021

I met Marian McClean through Rosedia Escueta when
Marian worked with the incarcerated Juvenile population in San Francisco. I am blessed to have met Marian and her beautiful humorous spirit.

My heartfelt sympathy and compassion embraces Marian's family and friends.

Genevieve Ellison

July 31, 2021

Marian, my friend and neighbor... We have been through so much together. Through it all, your dedication to loving people and spreading joy will stay with me forever. I miss you.

Denise Paulson

July 31, 2021

Marian played a huge role in the lives of the people she touched, both professionally and personally. What an amazing and beautiful woman. A completely wonderful person. All the way to right before she passed on... I have the most cheerful text messages from her days before her passing.

Your Bud, Pauline G.

July 30, 2021

The world will not be the same without you in it. Thank you for all the years of devoted friendship. We had fun times, memories to be cherished.

Michelle and Eric

July 30, 2021

Thanks for being our kids' Moon Buddy - we think of you every full moon, and that'll never change. We'll miss you!

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