Phyllis Rowena Robinson

---

ROBINSON, Phyllis Rowena (August 25, 1920 - July 23, 2014) On July 23, Rowena Robinson, wife of the late Earl Roy Robinson, died peacefully at Soldier's Memorial Hospital with family at her side. She will be sadly missed by daughter Laurel (Marcel), son Scott (Marilyn) and granddaughters Melanie (Rob) and Melissa (Jason) and 6 great grandchildren (Devin, Brendon, Talia, Calla, Tovah, and Asher). Though born in South Porcupine Aug 25, 1920, a move to Toronto in a couple of years by Rowena and her mother soon presented the opportunity to begin piano lessons with Boris Berlin at the Toronto Conservatory (now the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto). After finishing high school, having obtained her Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Schools, London England, she began teaching piano in Noranda, Quebec. By the age of twenty, she was Organist and Choir Director for Noranda United Church. Through the ensuing 45 years of teaching, Rowena continuously groomed scores of young people for music exams, music festival experiences, annual piano recitals, and encouraged those same young people to share their talents singing or playing in church, at teas, bazaars, school events, whatever would enrich their growth and others' pleasure. In 1983, retirement brought Rowena and Earl to Orillia, where together they embraced volunteer activities (Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Music Festival) while enjoying swimming, golfing, travelling, bridge, church membership at St. Paul's United Church and for Rowena, activities with the church's UCW. Over many years, Rowena was involved playing piano for The Little Big Band, numerous musicals at Orillia's Opera House, and doing supply organ work in the region until finally she was 'back in the saddle' fulltime as Music Leader at St. Luke's Anglican, Price's Corners, up to the time of her passing. To her last days, and in her own proud fashion, she fulfilled her dream to remain totally independent in her own home following Earl's death 3 years ago. Even at the age of ninety-three, she was recalled to play with the Little Big Band yet again, and was still active with instrumentalists and singers at multiple seniors' homes in Orillia, including playing for Mundells' 100th Anniversary Open House Celebration this past May. Visitation at Mundell Funeral home, 79 West Street N., Orillia, Wednesday Aug. 6, 2014, 12:00 noon, service 1:00pm, reception to follow. If desired, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Visitation
Will take place at Mundell Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 6th from 12 noon to 1pm.
Memorial Service
Will take place on Wednesday afternoon, in the chapel at 1 o'clock.