MOIRA (MOLLY) ROBINSON

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MOIRA (MOLLY) ROBINSON On August 14, 2013, at the Gimli Community Health Centre, Moira (Molly) Robinson, passed away. She was born May 21, 1931 in Halifax and was predeceased by her father John and mother Jane (Jenny) Redmond, her daughter Kim Robinson, brother John Redmond and brother- in-law William Allen. She leaves to mourn four children, Debra Ison (Nelson, BC), Lawrence Robinson (Winnipeg, MB), Julie (John Boivin) Robinson (Whitehorse, YK) and Jenny Robinson (Nelson, BC) and her grandchildren Peter McFayden, Andrew Ison, Cole and Jane Robinson-Boivin and Megan Robinson. She is also survived by her sisters Audrey Allen (Halifax, NS) and Shirley (Fred) Harrigan (Madawaska, Maine) and sister-in-law Margaret Redmond (Vancouver, BC) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A pioneer of Thompson, Manitoba, Molly was instrumental in establishing the YWCA of Thompson, where she was employed as Executive Director for twenty-five years until her retirement in 1996. She served on the Manitoba Human Rights Commission as a Director and as Vice Chair. She was elected to Thompson City Council and serviced two terms as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor (1983-1989). She was a dedicated volunteer and served on a number of community boards. She was the president of the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, Thompson Nickel Days, the Northern Manitoba Recreation Association and the Manitoba Winter Games and the Gimli Art Club. She received many awards for her commitment to community service including the Centennial Medal, the 50th Anniversary Medal of Queen Elizabeth, the Order of the Buffalo, and the Governor General Medal for Excellence in Public Administration and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. The city of Thompson honoured her work with a street naming (Robinson Way) in 1997. Retiring in 1996 in Gimli Manitoba where she became an active member of the Gimli Art Club. She was a life-long painter; her art has shown across the province. She shared her love of the arts with many good friends in Gimli. She made an impact on all who knew her and was a true mentor and friend to many. Living her motto nothing is impossible', she was a trail blazer and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents of northern Manitoba. She lived her life with courage and generosity. She will be missed dearly by family and friends across Canada. Molly was recognized by then Premier Garry Filmon on March 6, 1998 with the following statement: "When one honours individuals like Molly Robinson, it becomes a difficult task to fully capture the time and effort this distinguished woman has given to Manitoba, and in particular to Manitoba's North. She set benchmarks in volunteerism and community spirit that will not soon be surpassed. All Manitobans applaud her efforts and accomplishments." A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, in the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, Gimli, Manitoba, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Westshore Community Foundation, Gimli, Manitoba, or the Thompson Foundation, Thompson, Manitoba. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 17, 2013