January 13, 1950 - July 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
Robbi was born in Nanaimo, B.C., while her parents were visiting in Qualicum. She grew up in Kits and then met Jack in Delta. They got married and moved to the Comox Valley, where she happily lived the rest of her life. Robbi died peacefully at Aitkens Hospice after an aggressive battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends, singing the songs she requested and drinking Prosecco. Robbi was predeceased by her parents, Carman and Julia, and niece, Sylvie. Robbi is survived by her husband, Jack; daughters Katrina, Tamara, and Jaclyn (Eric); nine grandchildren: Taia, Gianna, Ayla, Lisa, Kallie, Amelie, Lawson, Archer, and Finn; as well as her siblings: John, Karen, Mary (Steve), Margie (Gary), and many nieces and nephews.
Robbi was involved in many creative endeavours. Over the years, she has performed in many musicals and was a member of multiple choirs. Some of her highlights were singing and dancing with Beach Street and performing at Music Fest. Robbi also loved her yearly sewing challenges and often created outfits for the Wearable Arts fashion show, even winning awards for this. As well, she loved hosting garden parties and table for 4 dinners at her home. You would often see her garden in full bloom, the prayer flags she made blowing in the breeze, and tasty treats for all. She loved getting together with family and friends.
As well, Robbi enjoyed doing yoga with her sisters through Zoom every Tuesday morning, walking with her friends down by the airpark or travelling. She was an Ancient Mariner. She would go on 2-3 cruises per year with family, friends, or sisters; even better if she could get her cruise companions to dress up matchy-matchy with her. When asked, she said her favourite cruise was through the British Isles. Also, her family loved spending summers camping at Saratoga Beach, Little Qualicum Falls, and Rebecca Spit or boating to Savory Island to visit Grandma Jul.
Robbi was a teacher for a huge chunk of her life, first in North Vancouver (3 years), then Delta (2 years). She met Jack while teaching together at Gibson Elementary and then moved to Courtenay, where she taught till 2006, mostly grade 7 at Lake Trail Middle School. She loved being able to share her many talents with teenagers. She enjoyed coaching, sponsoring the Student Council, and even learned to play the trombone and flute with the grade 7 band. As well, she loved ending the year with grade 7 camp, first at Moorecroft and then Homewood. She loved bringing out her guitar for a singalong, telling students their piece of wood needed to be "as soft as a baby's butt", and performing skits and songs at the campfire each night.
Always a planner, Robbi has told us exactly how she wanted things to go upon her death. She wanted a party, not a funeral, so a Celebration of Life is being planned for August 5, at 2 p.m., at St. George's Church in Courtenay, where she was a member for many years. Please wear bright colours and come with your favourite memories to share.
Robbi loved her family and friends more than words can express and was loved beyond measure in return. She will be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Comox Valley Hospice Society or the Alzheimer Society of B.C.