Published in the January 13, 2017 edition.
MELROSE — Concetta “Connie” (Rombola) Robinson, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Wednesday, January 4, at the age of 82.
Born on February 14, 1934, Connie was one of two daughters of the late Ferdinand and Rosa Rombola. She was raised near the coastline of Long Island Sound in Harrison, New York. Connie was a graduate of Harrison High School where she fell in love with her future husband, M. Douglas Robinson. They were married in February of 1957 and after he completed his education, they settled in Melrose.
Connie was the consummate homemaker, raising her two children Susan and Andrew, and providing love and support for her husband.
At home in Melrose, Connie created a life for her family, and herself. She dedicated her time to her children and was always present for them in any way she could. She was active in her children’s school and church activities, was Susan’s campfire girl leader, and never missed any of Andrew’s youth hockey games.
Connie stayed very active throughout her entire life. Strong willed, Connie was a determined woman and persevered through many health challenges to stay with her family and friends as long as possible. She took great pride in continuing to manage her household despite her many hospital stays. She loved to participate in all repairs needed, as recently as last month. She was always ready to assist Doug and later son-in-law Jim with the proper tools and “advice” for any occasion.
Connie had many hobbies, including a great love for landscaping her yard. She was an enthusiastic gardener with flowers, perennials, and shrubs planted throughout the yard she treasured. She took great care with her yearly tomato plants, as according to Connie, all food could use “a little more tomato.” She also designed and built two beautiful rock gardens in the yard.
She was an excellent cook and looked forward to making weekly trips to the grocery store so the refrigerator was always full for her family and friends. She made holidays special with her signature dishes such as apple pie and ginger cookies. An adventurous cook, Connie regularly enjoyed trying new recipes, and even took lessons in authentic Chinese food preparation.
Connie was also an avid reader who read the Boston Globe, front to back daily, and enjoyed discussing all current events. She took weekly trips to the Melrose Public Library, often borrowing more books than she could actually carry home.
A devoted and caring grandmother, Connie loved spending time with James and Jessica. She attended as many school and sports events as she could, and enjoyed many vacations trips with them.
Connie was a longtime, active and devoted member of the First Congregational Church in Melrose. She was a longtime member of Circle 4, was involved with most church events for almost 50 years. She enjoyed baking for the winter fairs, and was the reigning Chili Cook Off champion. Connie was a loyal and beloved friend to many of the Circle 4 members, and enjoyed get-togethers and weekend trips in Maine and New Hampshire throughout the years.
Connie was a strong supporter of Native American causes and was fiercely patriotic. Her favorite part of any televised sporting event was joining in with the singing of the National Anthem.
As a child growing up Harrison, New York, Connie developed a fondness and love for the beach. She and her sister Laura regularly went to the beach, and after moving to Melrose, Connie could be found on a beach with her family throughout most of each summer. Eventually, she and Doug bought a house in the seaside town of Kennebunk, Maine and spent many summer weekends relaxing on the beach with family and friends.
Most of all, Connie was a sweet, loving woman with a “twinkle” smile and inner kindness that was always thinking of others first. She was a constant source of encouragement and supportive energy for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Connie was a personable woman who enjoyed giving and being around others, and made many lasting friendships. Her presence will be forever missed, but the love she shared with her family and friends will always continue on in their hearts.
Connie was the beloved wife of the late M. Douglas Robinson with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Susan C. LeFave and her husband James of Wilmington, and Andrew D. Robinson of Wakefield. She was the cherished sister of Laura Valentzas and her late husband Robert of Harrison, NY. She was the loving grandmother of James LeFave, Jr. and Jessica Rose LeFave. She was the beloved aunt of George Valentzas of Harrison, NY and the late Kim Valentzas. Also survived by several grandnieces and grandnephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Connie during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 2-6 p.m., and for her funeral service at the First Congregational Church, 121 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday at 10 a.m. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com