ROCKINGHAM — Mrs. Doris Mitchell McLean, widow of R. Carol McLean, was the daughter of Walter and Norah Mitchell, and was born in Skyland, North Carolina on Aug. 19, 1925.
She is survived by her daughter Susan E. Rossinelli-McLean, her son Dr. Rufus C. McLean Jr., her grandson Luca Rossinelli, and her granddaughter Marilyn Elizabeth McLean. Mrs. McLean had nine brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded her in death.
At a young age, Mrs. McLean moved to Wadesboro, where she spent her youth. After graduating from high school, she worked in a local department store. During the early years of World War II, she met her husband, Rufus Carol McLean Sr., who was working for the old Farmer’s Bank in Rockingham. Following the war, they were married and set up home.
After raising her children, she returned to school and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She worked as an elementary school teacher in the Richmond County school system for 20 years teaching the gifted and talented.
Mrs. McLean and her husband had an active and rewarding retirement. They traveled many times to Europe to visit with her daughter and her family in Switzerland. Her husband preceded her in death in October of 2017. Mrs. McLean passed away on Nov. 20, 2019 after a brief illness. She was 94 years old.
Mrs. McLean is most fondly remembered for her firm guidance and diligent labor for her family. She was an extremely well-educated woman and an avid reader of books. She enjoyed an active social life participating in many local bridge clubs and other activities in the community. She was also a woman of faith. Her church and faith community were a part of her life. She had several beloved pet cats that she adored.
Instead of flowers, the family request that memorials be given in her honor to Richmond County Hospice.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Rockingham.
Carter Funeral Home is assisting the McLean family.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
