Ms. Robin Lee Manning

In our hearts and our memories Robin will be remembered as a most remarkable woman. She was the cleverest, cutest, sexiest, smartest and funniest of friends as well as a kind and generous and loving wife and we miss her terribly already.

Robin was born in Seattle on Sept. 3, 1953; she lived to see her 63rd birthday, dying the day after on Sept. 4, 2016. Molly, her wife of over 30 years and long time caregiver Mel, watched over her as she passed, on to a new adventure.

Robin had a diverse array of interests including a Masters level degree in psychology but was almost more proud of an undergraduate minor in botany that included a stint as a research assistant on a book being written by Euell Gibbons. Robin was a team builder which served her well, along with her degree in psychology, in her work in management, primarily in her career with Abbey Medical, now Apria Healthcare. In the 1990s she was often called upon to travel to various branches around the country to turn-around troubled branches and build functional, successful teams.

Outside of her work Robin forged friendships with people from many backgrounds; she seemed always to relate somehow. In the ‘80s and ‘90s Robin formed and wrote newsletters for women's groups and most notably, for a wine group she pulled together that ran for over 10 years – even after Robin became ill and was no longer able to attend. Robin was an avid birder (and still loved cats!) and was always ready for a lively discussion about the latest news and events! Robin and Molly were season ticket holders to Artists Repertory Theatre and the Voices Women’s Lecture Series; both of which Molly continues.

Robin’s sister Janice and her family were an important part of Robin’s life and came to visit frequently over the years from their home in Seattle; almost weekly in the last months.

In the early 2000s Robin was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia or FTD. It is a devastating illness, often striking young people in their prime such as Robin, who was barely into her 50’s. Robin spent a few years in a memory care facility but in December of 2013 was able to come home where she lived peacefully and comfortably with Molly in her last years.

Throughout her life and entire illness Robin, was lucky to have devoted friends, her community; Peg who came regularly from her home in Mexico to visit and was a pro at making Robin laugh; next door neighbors and friends Teresa and her husband Per, Vic who came to their home to cut Robin’s hair making certain she still looked her best; Sandy who regularly came to their home to clean and examine Rob’s teeth. Her old friend Cathy came by when she could. Matt and Gregg and Kurt and Amy all proved how important friends are when they more than once showed up when called for another “move” for Rob.

Of course there was also Trudy who crazily showed up at 5AM three days a week so Molly could go out running and who helped out in the rare times when Mel actually took a vacation.

Of all those that stuck with her though the most important besides Molly was Mel – she started as a caregiver but ended up more friend and family. Mel’s family was generous with giving up her time since she generally worked seven days a week for at least a few hours and they accepted Robin into their home weekly and when Molly went on vacation.

Robin’s other family were her furry friends. Early on it was Sappho and Quinn and then in 2003 came kitties Sterling, Maddy and Toscano; in 2004 Great Dane Xochitl (booboo), 2006 Lab mix Utley (Utters, Utter Butter, Butter Butz, Butters) and in 2014 Great Dane Xena – the true warrior princess.

In her final days, in addition to kitty Toscano, Robin was again fortunate to be cared for by nurses from Serenity Hospice, particularly Mackenzie and Bea. Bea admitted Rob to Hospice and was there the long day of her death providing excellent medical care for Rob and support for Molly, Mel and Peg who were also present. Her gentle generosity and wisdom will always be cherished.

Robin was preceded in death by her mother Lelia, brother Mitchell, kitties Sappho, Quinn and Maddy and Great Dane Xochitl.

Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016 at Zeller Chapel of the Roses, 2107 NE Broadway.

Robin will be buried at Valley View Cemetery in Newberg; a ceremony will be held there at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers remembrances can be sent to: Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, 1945 NW Pettygrove St., Portland, OR 97209, www.dovelewis.org/donate, (503) 228-7281; or the Morris Animal Foundation, donate in Robin’s memory to: Morris Animal Foundation, 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A, Denver, CO 80246, phone number (800) 243-2345,

http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/ways-to-donate/memorial-gifts.html