Jeanette M. Robinson

1923-2017

Jeanette M. Robinson, 94, passed away peacefully November 19, 2017. Jeanette was born in 1923 in Marion, Ohio, the second daughter of John F. and Nora Wolfinger. She graduated from Pleasant High School, and received a nursing degree from The Ohio State University in 1944. Jeanette was married for 67 years to Robert N. Robinson and is the mother of Cathleen Ann Cagney, Jon Randall Robinson (Julianne) and Robert Michael Robinson (Dorren), the grandmother of Megan Shea Robinson Cagney Pena (Paul), Katherine Elizabeth Robinson, Nora Kelsey Robinson, Jacob Wolf Robinson and Margaret Ella Robinson, the great-grandmother of Pablo and Estela Pena, and the soon-to-be grandmother-in-law of Brian Hillen. She is an aunt many times over, including of John Carl Martin, of Apollo Beach, Florida. Jeanette’s sister, Estella Martin, predeceased her.

Jeanette grew up on a farm in the middle of Ohio. For her entire life she was happiest when she had an audience for her stories of life on the farm and of her relatives, many of whom lived just down the road. As a precocious 5 year old, she attended “Brush College,” a one room schoolhouse up the road from her house. At an early age, she decided that she wanted to be a nurse, a goal which she announced to her friends and relatives. Despite her father’s opposition, she entered the nursing program at The Ohio State University and received her degree in 1944. She was proud to have graduated from a four year nursing program at Ohio State, and was proud to be a nurse. 

Jeanette worked at The Ohio State University and Michigan State University, took a break to raise three children, and then worked at a nursing home in St. Joseph, Michigan. But the major part of her nursing career was at the Boyle County Health Department in Danville, Kentucky where she attended to the health needs of local residents, and seemingly knew everyone in the county. Even after she retired from the health department, she volunteered on a weekly basis at Ephraim McDowell Hospital which she continued into her 90’s.

She was a passionate gardener. She liked being surrounded by flowers, and she loved preparing a meal for family using vegetables picked from her garden. Although she complained about the constant battle she waged with vines growing on the garden wall and house, she actually seemed to enjoy every minute spent outside. As she became less mobile, she would continue to grow her gardens, and would shamelessly enlist weeding help from visitors, while helpfully pointing out weeds that needed pulling with her cane or walker.

On November 21, 1945, she married Robert N. Robinson. Together, they raised a family, enjoyed their grandchildren, grew many gardens, and took multiple trips around the world to Europe, Ireland, Hawaii, Barbados and across the United States. A highlight was the 50th wedding anniversary trip they took their family on to Alaska in 1995. Jeanette and Robert were committed members of Centenary United Methodist Church in Danville, Kentucky. They became snowbirds after both retired, and lived in Sun City Center, Florida during the winter months. She cared for Robert at the end of his life, and he referred to her as his “Angel of Mercy.”

Jeanette was admired and respected by everyone who knew her. She lived a long, full, and honorable life, and will be always remembered and loved. 

The funeral service will be November 25, 2017 at 2 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church in Danville with Rev. Sean Ryan officiating. Visitation is from 1 pm until the service time. A private burial will be held in Marion, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to Centenary United Methodist Church or The Salvation Army. An online guestbook is available at www.stithcares.com