Lasting Memories

Robin Winslow Smith
June 12, 1934-June 15, 2011
Atherton, California

Obituary for Robin Winslow Smith Born June 12, 1934, Died June 15, 2011

Robin Winslow Smith was a strong, independent woman with a sharp wit and a broad sense of humor, proud mother of four, dedicated special education teacher, engaged citizen, avid birder, world traveler, voracious reader, passionate environmentalist, dog lover, story teller, and a supportive friend and confidant to many.

She enjoyed making connections with people from all areas of her life, forming many lasting relationships. She died at home surrounded by family after outwitting cancer for nearly five years.

Robin, a tenth generation American of the Winslow family, was born in San Francisco in 1934. She was raised in Saratoga and Palo Alto, attended Palo Alto High School, and graduated with a B.A. from UC Berkeley as a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

She married Gordon Dean Smith, Jr. in 1956 (div. 1972), settled in Palo Alto and taught elementary school. She had a true gift for mothering, raising four children in the inviting 1906 Atherton home where music and art were a rich part of everyday life. She was an active mom who shared her love of the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, sailing, skiing, and led her children and others on many rewarding adventures.

As her children grew, Robin returned to teaching and focused on special education, receiving a MA from San Jose State University. She taught for over twenty years, primarily in the Fremont Unified School District, and was a tireless advocate for her students? betterment.

Once retired, Robin pursued her love of birding, serving as president of Sequoia Audubon, organizing many Christmas bird counts, monitoring local nesting species, and enjoying every bird along the way. She also enthusiastically shared in her children?s many endeavors as adults.

Robin absolutely loved to go on a trip and crossed many borders in her travels. She visited all 50 states, including a drive up the Alaska Highway before it was paved. She explored all continents, including snowmobiling above the arctic circle, trekking to Mt. Everest, traveling by train to Mongolia, going on safari in Africa, and weathering Antarctica.

When not traveling, Robin diligently kept local politicians aware of environmental issues. She worked tirelessly for habitat protection, including the conservation of Bair Island and the protection of Bedwell Bayfront Park as open space. She provided a constant reality check for city councils.

Robin is survived by her four children, Mallory (Pat), Colin (Lynn), Evan (Bonnie) and Alison, her granddaughter Anya and extended family.

A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton.

If you wish to celebrate Robin through a charitable contribution, the family suggests you choose a local environmental organization.