Chicago, Illinois (July 30, 1937 – May 31, 2024)

Marian Lois Robinson (née Shields), mother of Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States and Craig Robinson, a basketball executive, is the mother-in-law of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States. Robinson worked as a secretary and executive assistant before and after raising her children with her husband, Fraser Robinson, in Chicago. In retirement, she agreed to move into the White House during her son-in-law’s two term presidency, where she helped raise her grandchildren. Michelle described her mother as forthright and honest. She spoke of her implacability and her silent support as a child and beyond. Although she participated in several public events during those white house years, she was capable of keeping a low profile and move comparatively freely around Washington practically unnoticed. A show hall at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is planned to be named in her honor.