Carol Janice Gilbert Robinson

Carol Robinson passed away Tuesday, September 1st in Northern Virginia. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to John and Mary Block in March of 1937. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Jack McCauley and four nieces and nephews. Her three children, daughter, Karin Ritchey and sons Patrick Gilbert and Ian Robinson, a son-in-law Karl Ritchey and daughter-in-law Missy Robinson, five Grandchildren: Brian Ritchey, Will Gilbert, Jack Gilbert, Evan Gilbert and Ben Robinson and three Great grandchildren, Tomas Ritchey, Lucca Ritchey and Graham Gilbert.

Whether you called her Great, Grams, Mom, Carol or just a friend, she left an impression on everyone she met and everyone who met her. Jimmy Buffet once sung “the wrinkles only go where the smiles have been” and mom carried a few wrinkles. She was generous, kind, caring and loved her family. She was always proud of her midwestern work ethic. She started a second career in nursing in her forties becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse then a Registered Nurse in her fifties. After working as a nurse at UVA hospital for twelve years, she supervised clinical trials for numerous companies, which afforded her the opportunity to travel and visit new cities. She enjoyed this work until she retired at age of 74.

In her retirement, she was a devoted reader and read mysteries right up until the end. She adored traveling and exploring different cultures. Her adventures took her Machu Pichu, Thailand, China, New Zealand, Galapagos Islands, Netherlands along with numerous National Parks in the US. She also enjoyed gardening and saved many plants with her green thumb.

Carol’s wish was to be cremated. There will be no Memorial service. She wanted a Celebration of Life which will be held at Murphy's Funeral Home on Saturday September 19 from 12:00-4:00pm. 1102 W Broad St. Falls Church, VA 22046.

In lieu of flowers, Carol requested donations be made to any of the following:

FirstStar: www.firststar.org

Your local Botanical Garden

Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.org