Barbara L. Robbins

Barbara L. Robbins 77, of Wilder Street, Keene, NH, died Sunday, December 15, 2013 with her family at her side, at the Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth Hitchcock, Keene, following a period of failing health.

She was born in Deering, NH, February 15, 1936, the daughter of William J. and Louise J. (Putnam) Dumais.

She resided in Hillsborough, NH for a few years before moving to Keene where she has been a resident for many years. Mrs. Robbins worked at the former Jean’s Pastry in Keene and also in food services at the Wheelock and Franklin Elementary Schools.

Mrs. Robbins was a parishioner of St. Bernard Church in Keene, helping with the many church activities and events. She was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 819 Auxiliary. She was also a life member and past president of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4 Auxiliary and helped with the many Legion events, including helping the legion band with her seamstress talents in sprucing-up or repairing the band’s uniforms.

She was a den leader for her sons’ cub scout and boy scout troops. She enjoyed taking in fresh air children every summer, and in addition to caring for her own children, she took great joy in providing childcare for others.

Survivors include her children, Gary R. Robbins and his wife, Janice, of Keene, Kevin M. Robbins and his wife, Debra, of Munsonville, NH, Bruce A. Robbins of Marlborough, NH, Ron S. Robbins and his wife, Lisette Foley of Keene, Debra J. LaCoille of Keene, Brenda J. Rennick and her husband, Steve, of Keene; eleven grandchildren, Jonathan D. Robbins, Sara E. Spofford, Jessica A. Robbins, Jennifer M. Robbins, Nickia M. Robbins, Derek S. Robbins, Matthew J. LaCoille, Mary L. LaCoille, David M. Rennick, Amanda L. Rennick, Steven W. Rennick, II; and ten great-grandchildren, Isaac Robbins, Thomas Robbins, Kaitlyn Smyth, Olivia Robbins, Nathaniel Robbins, Aidan LaCoille, Stacia LaCoille, Julianna LaCoille, Alexis Rennick-Short, Colin Rennick-Short. She is also survived by two brothers, Donald Dumais and James Dumais, both of Deering; three sisters, Teresa Parker of Hillsborough, Darlene McHale of Bangor, NY, Linda Lawson of Deering; a sister-in-law, Pamela Robbins of Worcester, MA; and many nieces and nephews. Her husband of 54 years, Ralph E. Robbins, died February 8, 2008, and a son, James M. Robbins, died February 6, 1960. She was also predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Susan L. Robbins in 2001 and a son-in-law, Stanley M. LaCoille, Jr., in 2007.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial in the Maple Avenue Cemetery, Hillsboro, will be in the spring. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mrs. Robbins memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Mass & New Hampshire Chapter, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472, or to the Resident Activity Fund at the Keene Center Genesis, 677 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431.