Zena MacLean

Obituary of Zena Marie MacLean

Zena passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2021 in Viera Hospital. She was the firstborn to Harry J. Maclean Jr., and Katherine Margaret Bartholomew in Richlandtown, PA in the home of her maternal grandmother. Zena's uncle Tom McLean moved from PA to what is now Satellite Beach, FL in 1950. Tom later married Pearl and had a daughter Cheri and son Scott. The rest of his family including his parents Harry and Effie, brother Harry, wife Kitty and daughter Zena and Ruth Ann and son Teddy, his sister Margie, husband Paul and sons Richard, Paul and David Kramer followed shortly afterward. Other members of their extended families from PA followed.

Zena, her brother Ted, who passed away June 7, 2021 of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom his parents, are all gone now. His sister Ruth Ann and husband Walter Mendenhall and her sister in law - wife of Ted, Pat Capin, survive her.

Zena and Ruth Ann both graduates from Melbourne High School in 1960 and 1961 respectively. Zena went to Brevard Junior College (now Eastern Florida State College.) After she finished school she worked for Dr. Phil Gilliland, as a dental assistant. However, she had a great ability to style hair and frequently did her grandmother's hair. This was noticed by Bill and Jane Schreiber of Artiste Styling Salon at the Atlantic Plaza Shopping Center in Satellite Beach where Zena had her hair done.  The Schreibers encouraged Zena to go to beauty school. Zena took their advice and upon completion worked at their salon. After a few years, she and another stylist friend, Brigitte Carlson, purchased a salon from Vance Gilliam. It was located on A1A in Satellite Beach in the Mark Realty Building (at that time) across from Cinnamon Drive. The year was 1974 and the salon was and still is called Talk of the Town Hairstylist. It was moved to Jackson Avenue in 1978 and remains there today. Brigitte moved to Colorado in 1976 and Zena became sole proprietor. The salon received several Best Business Awards in Florida Today.

Not only is Zena's business in Satellite Beach but she has lived in Satellite Beach since 1954. Over the years, there have been many struggles due to the failing economy and due to struggles that small business owners deal with on a daily basis. There were extended periods of time when Zena paid her employees but took no salary for herself. Being in business for almost 50 years, Zena's clients and employees have become her family. Many have passed on or moved to other ares dut to age to live with children. Her original business partner Brigitte passed away. To Zena, losing Brigitte and each one of her clients is like losing a family member. Zena's business ethics and dedication to her employees - Helen, Linda and others over the years - her clients and her family. When asked by a family member when she was going to retire. Her comment was, "This business is my family - how can I retire.?"

Zena loved her family but one of her main loves was Satellite Beach which was an important part of her life.

A memorial celebration of life will be held in several months when all family members can gather.

Zena passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2021 in Viera Hospital. She was the firstborn to Harry J. Maclean Jr., and Katherine Margaret Bartholomew in Richlandtown, PA in the home of her maternal grandmother. Zena's uncle Tom McLean moved from PA to what is now Satellite Beach, FL in 1950. Tom later married Pearl and had a daughter Cheri and son Scott. The rest of his family including his parents Harry and Effie, brother Harry, wife Kitty and daughter Zena and Ruth Ann and son Teddy, his sister Margie, husband Paul and sons Richard, Paul and David Kramer followed shortly afterward. Other members of their extended families from PA followed.

Zena, her brother Ted, who passed away June 7, 2021 of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Tom his parents, are all gone now. His sister Ruth Ann and husband Walter Mendenhall and her sister in law - wife of Ted, Pat Capin, survive her.

Zena and Ruth Ann both graduates from Melbourne High School in 1960 and 1961 respectively. Zena went to Brevard Junior College (now Eastern Florida State College.) After she finished school she worked for Dr. Phil Gilliland, as a dental assistant. However, she had a great ability to style hair and frequently did her grandmother's hair. This was noticed by Bill and Jane Schreiber of Artiste Styling Salon at the Atlantic Plaza Shopping Center in Satellite Beach where Zena had her hair done.  The Schreibers encouraged Zena to go to beauty school. Zena took their advice and upon completion worked at their salon. After a few years, she and another stylist friend, Brigitte Carlson, purchased a salon from Vance Gilliam. It was located on A1A in Satellite Beach in the Mark Realty Building (at that time) across from Cinnamon Drive. The year was 1974 and the salon was and still is called Talk of the Town Hairstylist. It was moved to Jackson Avenue in 1978 and remains there today. Brigitte moved to Colorado in 1976 and Zena became sole proprietor. The salon received several Best Business Awards in Florida Today.

Not only is Zena's business in Satellite Beach but she has lived in Satellite Beach since 1954. Over the years, there have been many struggles due to the failing economy and due to struggles that small business owners deal with on a daily basis. There were extended periods of time when Zena paid her employees but took no salary for herself. Being in business for almost 50 years, Zena's clients and employees have become her family. Many have passed on or moved to other ares dut to age to live with children. Her original business partner Brigitte passed away. To Zena, losing Brigitte and each one of her clients is like losing a family member. Zena's business ethics and dedication to her employees - Helen, Linda and others over the years - her clients and her family. When asked by a family member when she was going to retire. Her comment was, "This business is my family - how can I retire.?"

Zena loved her family but one of her main loves was Satellite Beach which was an important part of her life.

A memorial celebration of life will be held in several months when all family members can gather.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Zena MacLean, please visit Tribute Store

Celebration of Zena's Touch

To be held from 1 PM - 4 PM Saturday December 11, 2021 Satellite Beach Civic Center 565 Cassia Blvd Satellite Beach, FL 32937
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