Obituary of Jean Elizabeth Center Robson

The vivacious and generous soul, Jean Elizabeth Center Robson of Rockledge, Florida, 91 years young, passed away at home on February 19, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Jean was born on June 15. 1922 to Myron and Ruth Center of White Creek, NY. After attending Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY, Jean was betrothed to Harold GÇ£HapGÇ¥ Blake Robson of Hoosick Falls, NY in 1941. They were together for 48 years, and raised six sons and two daughters. JeanGÇÖs professional life included many dedicated facets. She was instrumental in launching a Head Start program in her hometown. In her later years, Jean was a private practice home health caregiver, where she focused on GÇ£making her patients happyGÇ¥ above all else. Possessing a true servantGÇÖs heart, Jean faithfully and selflessly cared for family and friends. She added her love as a special ingredient in all her homemade recipes, that so many adored. She was famous for her breads, chocolate chip cookies, apple pies, and many other comforting dishes. Jean relocated to Florida in 1998. Since then, she has cherished her time with her neighborhood community visiting daily with friends young and old, offering cookies and conversation of life-lessons. Her family wishes to thank her neighbors for being so helpful and concerned, keeping close to her and helping her (when she would let them!). In recent days, Jean enjoyed her scooter and raced the young boys on bikes and skateboards while driving around her neighborhood! Children were always a part of JeanGÇÖs life, often with her assuming the role of educator and mentor. Many young people enjoyed visiting with Jean, because she didnGÇÖt speak down to them. She would ask them about their lives and the things they enjoyed the most. Whether at the supermarket or on the sidewalk, Jean loved meeting new people and could often be found striking up a conversation with any total stranger, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. JeanGÇÖs faith in God was woven into the fabric of her life. She was an avid bible scholar and enjoyed dramatizing bible stories in nursing homes and in church. Her connection with young people was reinforced by her commitment through her role as a Sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School Leader for many years. Jean was a faithful member of First United Presbyterian Church of Hoosick Falls, NY. After arriving in Florida, she attended the Faith Lutheran Church of Merritt Island, as an active participant in adult bible study and teaching 4th and 5th grade Sunday School. In October, Jean celebrated her life with her family, friends, neighbors and church congregation at home in the occasion of the GÇ£Big Mama JeanGÇÖs Big BashGÇ¥. Over seventy were in attendance and family came from as far away as Alaska and Texas. Jean was preceded in death by her spouse Harold Blake Robson, Sr. in 1990, her mother Ruth Center in 1989, her father Myron GÇ£ZekeGÇ¥ Center in 1987, her eldest son Harold Blake Robson Jr. in 1963, and her grandson Nathaniel Warren Sherlock Robson in 2001. Jean is survived by her children Charles (Bonnie) Robson, Parrish, Florida; Walter Robson, Sterling Alaska; Bruce (Frances) Robson, Anchorage Alaska; Keith (Nancy Sherlock) Robson, Souderton, Pennsylvania; Peter (Elaine) Robson, Pelzer South Carolina; Mindy (Jesse) Mangual, Lowell, Massachusetts; and Elizabeth Robson, Syracuse, New York; and by 13 Grandchildren and 10 Great-grandchildren. Jean is also survived her by sister Joyce Center Decker, Orlando, Florida and her brother Myron (Eleanor) Center, Jr., Bandera, Texas. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, February 23, 2014, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 280 E Merritt Ave, Merritt Island, FL. A reception will follow at the home of the deceased. Interment will follow later in the year at the Maple Grove Cemetery, Hoosick Falls, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nate Robson Scholarship Fund, Bethel Hill UMC, 2000 Bethel Road, Lansdale, PA 19446.