Mary Anne Robinson

Mary Anne Robinson, born in Chicago, Illinois on February 8, 1930, to Paul and Bernice Rusche, passed away March 1, 2009, at home in Newport Beach, CA. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Hurley Robinson. Mary Anne and “Rob” lived, worked and raised their family in Upland, CA for 37 years. Mary Anne graduated as an RN from Northwestern Memorial (Wesley) in Chicago. This is where she met her lifelong love. They married in 1953, and she worked helping put Rob through surgical training in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1957 they moved with their first three children to So. CA, soon adding three more. While busy raising their family, Mary Anne was involved with the PTA in Upland schools, Little League, Girl Scouts, Assistance League, and became Life Member of National Charity League. She also served on the board of San Bernardino County Medical Auxiliary, San Bernardino Cancer Society, and was past president and Life Member of San Antonio Community Hospital Auxiliary. Mary Anne was one of nine women who owned and operated The Bookworm of Upland in downtown. She is a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Upland, where she served on the Shelter Care Committee. Mary Anne and Rob retired to Newport Beach in 1997. The family has many fond memories with her on Balboa Island. She quickly became an active member in her new community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and the Newport Beach Public Library. Mary Anne was a member of St. Mark Presbyterian Church, where she served on the Health Ministries Commission and co-chaired the Care Team. Anyone who knew Mary Anne knew that she loved family, travel, books, bridge and knitting. Some of her beloved bridge partners have preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband; children: Kathy (John) Petschke, Mary Robinson, Lynda (Jerry) Lamb, Patricia Hardy, Paul (Laurie Ann) Robinson. Grandchildren: Paul, Thomas, Robert, Jacqueline, Melissa Robinson, Bennett Hardy, Andrew Petschke; her brother William (Judi) Rusche; niece Paula (Kent) Hoyos; nephew David (Teresa) Rusche; loved ones: Barbara Rusche, Jennifer Lamb, Miles (Holly) Wilkins, Jaime Wilkins. Mary Anne was preceded in death by her son, William H. Robinson. The family would like to thank all her friends for their prayers, and a special thank you to Hospice Care of the West.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 3rd at 1:00 P.M. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660 (directions at: www.stmarkpresbyterian.org).