Michele "Shelly" Marie McLean

It is with great sorrow the family of Shelly Mclean announces her passing. Michele “Shelly” Marie McLean passed Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her home on Mackinac Island. She was born July 8, 1970, in St. Ignace to Earl W. Mclean and Beverly “Bev” J. (Brown) McLean. Shelly spent her childhood in St Ignace and moved to Mackinac Island at age 12 following her mother’s passing. She attended and graduated from Mackinac Island Public Schools then went on to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City where she studied architecture. She built several pieces of furniture in her time there, some of which are still treasured and in use to this day. In 1988 Shelly was crowned Mackinac Island Lilac Queen; it was a great honor for her, as her mother Bev was also Lilac Queen in 1962. Shelly was a strong, caring woman who had a big contagious laugh and an even bigger heart. She was an animal lover, with dogs and horses holding a special place in her heart. We are sure her many animal friends that have passed before her are happy to see her again. Shelly was truly happiest when she was helping others, such as volunteering at community events, or pet and house sitting for friends and family. She especially enjoyed helping decorate for Christmas with close friends on the famous Chambers corner. Shelly was an accomplished horsewoman and spent much of her life sharing her love of Mackinac with others by driving tour carriages and guiding horseback rides. She was also a highly respected stable manager for many years. She also worked as a custodian at her alma mater Mackinac Island Public School and enjoyed helping the kids and staff members while keeping the school in order. During springtime, Shelly enjoyed working as a gardener in helping wake up the Island’s gardens. Shelly also enjoyed sharing her excitement for the Triple Crown horse races, which she loved to watch with friends. Shelly made friends easily and had friends near and far. Friends could count on her for whatever they needed help with whether a project, advice on a problem, or just a listening ear, whatever it may be, Shelly always had her loved ones’ backs. Shelly was a loving mother, aunt, sister, and niece, and her friends were like family to her. She was very proud of her son Mason for continuing his education at Michigan State University James Madison College in East Lansing, Michigan. Shelly is survived by her son Mason Michael McLean, and life partner John Kissane of Mackinac Island; brother Jack McLean of St Ignace; aunts Jodi (Dale) Gough of Pickford, Michigan and Bobbie Lee of Hessel Michigan ; uncles Clinton ( Jessica ) McLean of Rogers City, Michigan, Randy ( Sheryl ) McLean of St Ignace Michigan, Calvin ( Cubby ) McLean of St. Ignace Michigan; nieces Christina (Vincent) Gray of Mackinac Island and Catelyn McLean of St. Ignace Michigan; nephews Tyler (Adrienne) McLean of Hessel Michigan, Travis (Rebecca) McLean of Harbor Springs Michigan, and Trevor (Sheridan) McLean of Pickford Michigan; as well as several close friends and her beloved dogs Willow and Aspen. She was predeceased by her parents Earl and Bev McLean, grandparents Jack and June Brown, and brothers Gary McLean and Rob McLean. Shelly’s family will be having a celebration of life ceremony on Mackinac Island at a later date. Family Life Funeral Homes – St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com. Obituary as submitted by family.

Tributes

Michele "Shelly" Marie McLean

July 8, 1970 - January 22, 2026