Juanita McLean

Juanita Laurabell McLean June 26, 1927-June 6, 2024 Juanita McLean, still just 96 years young, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday June 6, 2024. Born to Jay and Ida (Rossow) Bliss in Northville, Michigan, she grew up with her siblings Milo and Janette, both now deceased. Many of her early memories were of life on the farms where her parents raised dairy cows in the Morrice-Owosso area. She often spoke of riding their gentle, blind workhorse Old Kit with her siblings and spending time in the barns while her dad milked the cows. Her mother Ida, always wearing an apron, passed down her love of cooking and baking to Juanita. As a teenager her parents moved the family to Plymouth, Michigan where she attended Plymouth schools. There she met Paul “Bud” McLean who later became her husband of 72 years! They married on July 20, 1946, after which Juanita was a proud Navy wife during WWII while Bud served in the Pacific. After the war they remained in Plymouth, raising their three children in their first home. Juanita loved baking wonderful cakes for any occasion that warranted one, making the kids’ birthdays and any other celebration even more special. She was active with Bud in the VFW and the Moose Club and shared her knowledge about nutrition with Weight Watchers groups for many years. Juanita and Bud shared many “adventures” through family vacations to various states, Mexico and Canada. She would pack clothing and food for the five of them, many times not knowing where they were going until they got to the end of their road and Bud asked which way he should turn! After the kids got older Juanita took a job at Indian Village Cleaners working there for many years. Their adventures continued after they retired and bought a log home “Up North” in Lewiston, Michigan where they lived for over five years before relocating closer to family in the railroad town of Durand, Michigan. Bud passed away on September 11, 2018, after which Juanita stayed in Durand with her beloved little Pekingese dog Shilow. Juanita’s memory will be cherished by son Michael and daughter-in-law Lynne, son Dennis and daughter-in-law Jane, and daughter Michele Arington. She leaves behind grandchildren Jay Arington, Rachel Fountain (Manny) and Jessica McLean along with her sweet 3-year-old great-granddaughter Margaret Justine Fountain. Dryer Funeral Home in Holly, Michigan will host a visitation for Juanita on Tuesday June 18, 2024, from 11:00am to 1:00pm with a service at 1:00pm. She will be laid to rest with Bud at the Great Lakes National Cemetery also in Holly. www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com

Juanita McLean

June 26, 1927 - June 6, 2024