Elizabeth J. Robinson

Elizabeth J. Robinson

GUILDERLAND — Elizabeth “Betty” J. Robinson, a devoted wife who was cherished by her children and grandchildren, died on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. She was 93.

She was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth Smith Fitzsimmons. She lived in Albany until moving to Guilderland in 1958 and was a graduate of the Cathedral Academy Class of 1948.

She was employed by Niagara Mohawk, National Commercial Bank, and by Dr. James Furlong before working as a bookkeeper in her husband Don’s hardware store in Guilderland.

She was a founding member of Christ the King Church, and a dedicated volunteer with St. Peter’s Hospital Auxiliary, volunteering in the hospital gift shop for 20 years.

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She is survived by her four cherished children and their spouses: Michael Robinson of Vero Beach, Florida, Garry and Nancy Robinson of Guilderland, Mariann and Stephen Vagianelis of Guilderland, and Amy and John Bourdeau of Winchester, Massachusetts.

She is also survived by her 11 devoted grandchildren: Philip and Ethan Robinson, and Megan Griffin; Judd (Sara), Jenna, and Jillian Robinson; Troy and Alexis Vagianelis; and Emma, Abigail, and Charlie Bourdeau; her great grandchildren Katelyn, Austin, Rylin, Tanner, and Jack.

She is survived, too, by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law James and Doris Robinson; and by her nieces and nephew Linda, Sam (Kelly), and Dawn Vavala.

Her loving husband, Don, died before her, as did her daughter Donna Fink; her daughters-in-law  Jacqueline and Sandra Robinson; her sister, Joan Vavala; and her brother, Walter Fitzsimmons.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff and nurses of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center for the loving care they provided to Betty.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church on Sumter Avenue in Guilderland. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church prior to the Mass beginning at 9 a.m.

Interment will be in Memory Gardens in Colonie.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christ the King Church Building Fund, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203.

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