Helen Robinson

Helen Robinson made a difference in people’s lives, and did so without fanfare or seeking recognition. Helen passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on July 1, 2023, in her 74th year.

Born in New York City in 1948, she was the oldest of five girls.  Growing up she enjoyed summering in Great Barrington, MA with her sisters and many cousins. She attended Elizabeth Seton College and then obtained a teaching degree at Wagner College, NY.  Moving to Kingston, NY, to accept a job at Phoenicia Elementary, she met her future husband, Dennis Robinson.  They laughed at the fact they shared the same last name.  They were immediately a couple and a good match.  They decided to officially share the same last name, marrying in 1971.

Over her 30+ year career, Helen served as a nurse at Kingston Hospital, eventually becoming a senior administrator.  Later, moving to Ellenville Regional Hospital, she served as Chief Clinical Officer. As a nurse, with her warm bedside manner, many patients quickly considered Helen a friend.  As an administrator, she was approachable.  Families would seek her advice for follow up care for their loved ones.  With administrators of hospitals, there usually is not a direct connection with patients.  Helen was different in this regard.  She stood out.

A results-oriented leader, Helen left an unparalleled legacy of heading up organizations and projects that helped and empowered the community she called home.  Helen served on boards of The American Cancer Society, hospices of both Duchess and Ulster Counties, and the YWCA of Ulster County.  She became President of the Ulster Green ARC Foundation Board and the Junior League of Kingston.  She also helped create, along with Dennis, the DSS Christmas Shopping Program, where individual Lions provided needy Hurley, NY, children with gifts for Christmas.

Helen was a nurse, non-profit leader, hospital administrator, caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Helen is survived by her son, Brendan, her daughter-in-law Marnie and her two precious granddaughters, Natalie and Makayla.  As well, her sisters Eileen Moore (Bill), Elizabeth Lorenzen (Bill), Regina Robb (Bruce), and Alyce Robinson.  She was a loving aunt to Brian Moore (Elizabeth), Erin Wallace (Brian), Paul Lorenzen, Tom Lorenzen (Denise), Brian Robinson (Lindsay), and Tracy Robinson.  Helen was predeceased by her Husband Dennis Robinson, father William Robinson, and her mother Helen (Sis) Robinson.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday July 23, 2023 at Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation and remembrance to the Alzheimer’s Association.  A tribute page in memory of Helen Robinson has been set up at http://act.alz.org/goto/HelenARobinson