Phyllis Roberts Robinson

Phyllis Roberts Robinson, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away July 13, 2022 at the age of 90. She is survived by her four children: Tom Robinson (Lynda Mrozek), Jane Mills (Glen), Carol Robinson (Scott Randby), and James Robinson. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Bill Robinson (Aubree Lombness), Raven Mrozek (Alex Litscher), Euan Mills, Caitlin Mills, Alex Mills, Steven Randby, Kyle Randby, Nick Robinson, Jamie Robinson, and Greg Boettger-Applekamp. Born at the beginning of the Great Depression, Phyllis grew up appreciating the ways that societal values and events affect individual trials, tribulations, and successes–learning the importance of individual contributions to community. She was born in New York to an artist and an engineer (Helene and Walter Roberts). She lived her early life in the New York City area (mostly in Queens) and, as a child, she attended boarding school in other areas of the Northeast (Connecticut and Maine). Instilled with an enterprising spirit, she grew up appreciating the value of education, creativity and industriousness. Phyllis attended Tufts University, where she studied psychology and occupational therapy for the deaf, but she got married and traveled before finishing, ultimately completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Russell Sage College in upstate New York. For several decades, she lived the life of a traditional housewife, being very involved in the raising of her children. She was a wonderful cook and, despite her insistence on cooking healthy, fresh meals and limiting junk food, she was known among her children’s friends for her baked goods and treats—she made the best pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, birthday cakes (always a secret to the process). She was a very active mother and grandmother—always helping with special school events, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts activities, 4-H projects, and similar children’s activities. She made sure that her children and grandchildren had supplemental opportunities for a good education—always encouraging them to pursue extracurricular scholastic, creative, social and physical activities, to research and read, to engage and debate, to make things in unique ways. Children’s bedrooms were often littered with books, dictionaries and encyclopedias. For young children and grandchildren, bedtime-storytime was a nightly event that extended far beyond picture books: always a “rabbit hole” lying in wait, as the exploration of novels, foreign language literature, scientific publications, and geographical or historical resources would frequently extend far beyond one’s actual bedtime. Phyllis was a strong woman who was passionately independent. She was intelligent, quick and always had a unique perspective to offer. She had an ardent spirit and was known for her firmness as well as for her kindness. She loved to garden, draw and paint, play the piano, and dote upon the family cats and dogs. She was generous with her time and energy and is remembered by many whom she helped through personal challenges, trials and crises. Phyllis is deeply loved by those who knew her. A Celebration of Life service will be held October 1, 2022 at Elmhurst Park (Elmhurst Road, Town of Delafield), 1:00-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to the Wildlife in Need Center (https://www.helpingwildlife.org/) or to the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of Waukesha County (https://hawspets.org/).