Robin L. VanDermay passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Bloomington at the age of 63. She now resides in a heavenly garden where no weeds dare to grow, where every plant is perennial and native, and the air is alive with pink blossoms and countless pollinator insects.
Robin was born on May 16, 1960, in Long Beach, CA to Robert Eugene and Winona (Speer) VanDermay. She married Morgan Kirkham on June 14, 1985 in a ceremony held in Las Vegas, NV. Her sister Beth Ruch was maid of honor and Beth’s husband, Kem Ruch, was best man.
Robin leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and boundless kindness. She is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Morgan, and their four children, Andrea (Joe) Divjak, Kassy (Josh) Heisner, Quen (Alyssa) VanDermay-Kirkham, and Sable VanDermay-Kirkham. Her love extended to eight adoring grandchildren and her dear siblings.
Robin's heart overflowed with passions that enriched her life and the lives of those around her. Her greatest joys included losing herself in the pages of Stephen King novels and other fantasy books, all while creating vibrant gardens that mirrored the beauty of her spirit.
A true gardener at heart, Robin had a remarkable belief in sharing the beauty of nature with friends and strangers alike. She never hesitated to uproot a plant from her own garden or offer seeds as gifts, believing that the best way to acquire a plant was through the bonds of friendship. This was the essence of her generous spirit—gardeners who share, nurture, and grow together.
Despite her battles with chronic pain and other health challenges, Robin remained an unwavering force for good in her community. Her list of volunteer contributions is extensive, including her support for the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, City of Bloomington Beautification Committee (she coordinated the painting of several murals in the city), the Normal Sharks swim team, IPPRI (now POTS) garden pot recycling, caring for Sarah's Garden at the David Davis Mansion, her proud support for NCHS Ironman football and wrestling, Miller Park Zoo gardens, the Community Cancer Center garden (before the lawn was redone), and the Sugar Grove Nature Center. There are probably more.
Robin took great pride in her titles as a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist, always eager to expand her knowledge and share her wisdom. Her warm heart and genuine smile made it easy for her to form connections with people from all walks of life.
Her love for shopping was no secret, and she delighted in the thrill of finding a great deal. Robin was quick to share her discoveries, offering coupons and rewards to others once her own shopping was done.
Robin was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Eugene and Winona (Speer) VanDermay. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire all who were touched by her warmth.
A Celebration of Life to honor Robin's extraordinary journey will take place in the spring of 2024, with details to be determined. We invite all who were touched by her love and friendship to come together, just as she would have wanted.
In the garden of life, Robin VanDermay planted seeds of love and kindness that will continue to bloom for generations to come.
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