Jill was born in Biggar Saskatchewan, the youngest of seven children born to John and Flora Western. In 1939 the family relocated to B.C., first to the Vancouver area before settling on the south slope of Burnaby.
Jill attended Nelson Ave School and then Burnaby South High School where she became friends with her future sisters-in-law before meeting the love of her life, husband Alan. On their first date Alan took Jill to the Ice Capades. Being so shy, he had his mom ask Jill if she would go with him. She said yes.
On August 14, 1948, Alan and Jill were married in the old log All Saints church in Burnaby by Rev. T de Pencier. The young couple lived in the home the Robinson family built on Neville St. until they and their by then four children moved into a new home on Keith St. in April 1955. In 1964, she presented a petition to the Burnaby council that resulted in the preservation of the land that is still enjoyed by that neighbourhood. In 2012, the parkland was named Jill Robinson Grove.
Jill and Alan lived in the Burnaby house, raising seven children, until 1992 when Jill retired from the Burnaby School Board. In that year, Jill and Alan built their dream home on acreage in Mission. This home brought family together celebrating Christmases, birthdays and wonderful family-packed anniversaries. Jill also hosted the annual garden luncheons for the Burnaby School retirees.
Living in Mission gave Jill time to focus on her hobbies. She loved quilting, gardening, cake design, and genealogy. She even took up curling and her butter tarts were greatly admired by her teammates.
Jill and Alan spent many years camping with their children. In 1967, Jill, Alan and all seven kids drove to Montreal to attend Exp '67. Other travel included trips to Maui, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, England and France.
Jill had a great sense on humour, was quick witted and was reknowned for her sharp tongue. She will be missed and remembered with love.
Jill Robinson is survived by husband Alan, daughters Marilyn Robinson, Theresa (Bob) Manning, sons Donald (Nerissa) Robinson, Alan (Marion) Robinson, David (Jennifer) Robinson. 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Jill is predeceased by daughters Gale Robinson (Drew) and Kathy Robinson (Ross) and grandson Keith Robinson.
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