Elaine R. Robinson

Elaine Ruth Robinson, “Elaine” was a vibrant, fun-loving woman who adored and was adored by her husband Don Robinson of 61 years. While the grief of her passing is shared among those she touched, we celebrate the life she lived with vigor and joy.

Elaine was born on August 4th, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. Her German descendant parents, Helmund and Wilma Spitzer, raised her up in the Lutheran faith until she claimed it as her own when she was confirmed as a teenager at Timothy Lutheran Church in Chicago.

Elaine enjoyed working as an executive assistant from an early adult age in downtown Chicago at Steinrhow & Farnham, Chicago Board of Trade, and later in a similar capacity for the Phoenix Union School District. Elaine was a gifted classical pianist, organist, and seamstress. Even while bravely fighting multiple sclerosis, she volunteered to sing in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Choir in Schaumberg, Illinois and subsequently at Christ Lutheran Church after moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 1974. She also served as a Sunday school teacher for 4th graders.

Elaine truly shined in social situations with her husband and children. Elaine was known for growing and preserving her own tomato sauce to make homemade pizza for family and friends during her time in the Chicago area and together with her husband, Don “stopping by anytime” never went without food, lots of laughter and love and blessings. You always felt loved and welcomed when spending time with her in her home.

Elaine and Don were never apart and as her multiple sclerosis took its toll on her body, it didn’t touch her spirit of living and giving every day to the Lord. Elaine was truly an example of doing everything possible with whatever circumstances handed to her and was evident by her sense of style. Her family honors the life she gave them, the example of leading a Christian life and believing in hope in any situation.

Elaine was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Willhamina and August Pronske, paternal grandparents, her brother Herbert Spitzer, and her grandson Brandon Robinson. Survivors include her husband Donald; children Burke, (Terri) Dea, and Craig Robinson; grandchildren Hayden, Maddie, Ian, Mitchell, and Ethan Robinson; nephews Gary and Jeffrey Spitzer; and numerous cousins and friends.

My sheep listen to my voice;

I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life,

and they shall never perish;

no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:27-28 (NIV)