Obituary of Karen Anne McLean

Beloved wife, mother and friend Karen “Anne” McLean (nee Doucette), of Bear River/Clementsport, passed away on January 16, 2021 in the Halifax Infirmary, age 76, from heart failure.

Anne was born November 5, 1944 in Digby and lived much of her life in the village of Bear River. Over the years, she worked many jobs until finding her true calling working with children with learning disabilities for the Annapolis District School Board. She worked until nearly the age of 70 and over 25 years for the School Board with stints at the former Oakdene Elementary in Bear River, as well as Annapolis Royal Regional Academy and Annapolis West Education Centre in Annapolis Royal. Her warmth and caring heart touched dozen if not hundreds of people in the Annapolis Royal-Bear River-Digby area and was affectionately known to many as mom, Aunt Anne or Nanny Annie whether related or not.

As Ron was a retired Canadian Armed Forces member, Anne and Ron remained active with the Royal Canadian Legion and veterans’ groups. In recent years she took up darts to go along with her joy of playing bingo and socializing. Quick trips to the store were never quick when accompanying Anne since she knew everyone and always had to say hi or catch-up with friends she hadn’t seen for a while. 

She is survived by her loving children Jocelyn (Randy) Scott, Harley Robicheau and Gregory (Anthea) Fairn, and stepchildren Ronnie and Kenny (Roberta) McLean. Anne will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Katelyn, Logan, Landon and Khloe Robicheau, Dannielle (Shane) DeGraaff, Jannell Scott, Taylor McLean, and great-grandchildren Jayce and Phoenix Fairn. Sadly, due to COVID travel restrictions she was never able to meet Phoenix despite loving him and all the grandkids immensely. She is also survived by her loving canine companion, Brutus.  

Married three times she was pre-deceased by Isiah Robicheau (Digby), Harley Robicheau (Digby) and Ronald “Ron” McLean (Cornwallis), her mother Gladys “Blanche” Morine, her father Mark Edward Doucette, and brother Herbert Morine (Bear River). 

The family would like to thank her friends that have helped her so much in recent years, our loss is yours as well. We would also like to thank the staff of Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton and the Halifax Infirmary.   

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Clementsport after COVID restrictions have subsided. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation may be made to your local food bank or the Royal Canadian Legion.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).