She was born to Robert and Betty Shields in Deer River, Ontario December 21, 1948. Her family moved to Vancouver when Robin was a teen. She met and married her high school sweetheart Michael. They raised their family in the lower mainland and California and then everyone landed back in the lower mainland. Rob loved a good beach day or a long walk with grandkids in her favourite park and frequented Crescent Beach and Redwood Park with them over the past 15 years.
Robin was a very special, kind and gentle woman who placed her family above all else. Since becoming “Nana”, Robin spent countless hours enjoying movie marathons with her kiddos. The latest Disney movie, most recent Harry Potter, Fast and Furious or super hero movie were all a possibility when Nana was in charge. Sometimes the kids were surprised that Nana had already watched the newest one before them! Rob cherished her family times and vacations with grandkids whenever she was able to join them all. She treasured every moment of watching all the grandkids grow, taking in riding lessons, dirt bike tracks, hockey, swim meets, lacrosse and a lot of time at the ball park, well equipped with snacks for all and cases of hand warmers to share.
Robin had a varied work history over the years and had been involved in the cosmetics, floral, grocery, and craft industries. She was a very talented seamstress in her teens sewing the latest couture patterns for her friends and neighbours in Toronto and later in life creating Robins Bears for charity and sick kid’s hospitals. She was constantly in demand for making unique gift baskets for a number of repeat and new clients. Her grandchildren benefited most from the very special packages for birthdays, road trips and celebrations and will miss these very specially curated packages of love.
Survived by her son Heath (Angele) grandchildren Emmersen and Hudson and daughter Leslie Pocha (Steve) grandchildren Ashley, Kyle, Dillon and great grandchildren. Sisters Jenny (Malcom), Karen and Patty and numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by her ex-husband Michael Lefroy, her best friend Lynn, and furry companion Bella.
Her big smiles, generosity of spirit, sense of humor and warmth we each felt when we were with her, will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Following Robin’s wishes for cremation and a simple small farewell, a small gathering will take place in the summer. Robin didn’t like big goodbyes and being in the spot light. More often than not she would depart a family time with a quick, “I’m gonna love ya and leave ya kiddo’s”. With heavy hearts, we say, we’re gonna love ya but you will never leave our hearts.
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