Karen McLean (née Pollvogt)
September 20, 1949 — March 17, 2026

Karen McLean, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away after a long and courageous journey, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on September 20, 1949, Karen lived a life defined by resilience, selflessness, and deep devotion to her family.

Karen was married to her husband, Robert “Bob” McLean, for 48 years, and together they raised two children, Michael and Megan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her son, Michael. She is survived by her daughter, Megan (Patrick) Beckham, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond built on a lifetime of love, guidance, and devotion—she was Megan’s champion in every season of life, and in the end, Megan became hers.

She was a proud and loving Nana to Adelynn and Emery, who were the light of her life and brought her endless joy.

Karen is also survived by her sister, Patricia Sellenriek, who was her lifelong best friend and unwavering champion as well as her loving, supportive sister Laranetta Naes and brother David Griffin. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, who affectionately knew her as “Aunt Canoe.”

Karen worked in a hospital setting almost her entire adult life, retiring as a Risk Management Specialist. She was highly respected and celebrated for her dedication to SLU Hospital. She built her career through hard work, determination, and a sharp, intuitive way of understanding and working through complex situations.

She loved the Beatles, Cardinals baseball, reading, cooking, and HGTV—but above all, she loved her family. Karen had a remarkable gift with words, an expansive vocabulary, and an infinite wealth of wisdom that those around her leaned on often. Whether through daily conversations, guidance during life’s biggest moments, or quiet reassurance when it was needed most, she had a way of always knowing just what to say.

In her later years, Karen faced significant health challenges following a stroke. Despite everything she endured, she carried herself with quiet strength and grace, never complaining and continuing to show the same determination that defined her life.

To her family, Karen was more than a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt—she was their anchor, their guide, and their constant. Her strength, compassion, and enduring love leave a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

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