Laura P. Mclean

February 7, 1947 - May 2, 2012 Laura P. McLean died peacefully at home on Wednesday May 2, 2012. Laura was a dear and special friend to many. Relationships with colleagues, neighbors, and even family all were first rooted in friendship. She was deeply connected to the Raleigh community her entire life, keeping close ties to those she had known from her childhood days at Hugh Morson Junior High, to her high school classmates from Enloe High, to her college days at NC State. She enjoyed a long and successful career in the Undergraduate Admissions Office at NC State, beginning as a work study student in 1966 advancing to her role as Senior Associate Director of Admissions. She had a special ability to see potential in students and help to transform their lives through a college education. She particularly enjoyed advising students and helping them identify the pathway toward meeting their goals. Her Admissions Office friends recently recognized her service to the University by dedicating a bench beside the Bell Tower in her honor. A gentle and nurturing woman, Laura was known as LaLa to her two grandsons. She enjoyed special relationships with her grandchildren, siblings, and nieces & nephews who all considered her a touchstone for the family. Jen and Matt, her beloved children, were central to her life; Mike, her husband of 35 years was her best friend and companion. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Margaret Perry. She is survived by her husband, Mike McLean; daughter Jen McLean Foster and son-in-law Derek Foster, son Matt McLean, and grandsons Jay and Luke Foster. She is survived by a sister, Beth Perry Black and husband Tal; and three brothers, Mike Perry and wife Betty; Dennis Perry and wife Ali; and David Perry and wife Robin; and nine nieces and nephews. Also surviving her are her closest friends, her sister-in-law Jeannette Johnson and husband Jim; and Annie Lawrance and husband John. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Mark Graham and the nurses that provided care for her; and to Hospice of Wake County who provided great comfort and support to Laura and the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, Raleigh, NC. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Friday, May 4th at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh. A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 5th at 10:30 AM at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh.