Robin Forsythe-Mias

LEEDS, MA - Robin Forsythe-Mias passed from this world on April 23rd, a beautiful, warm, spring morning full of possibility, which was her favorite kind of day. Trek, her soul sister, was by her side to wish her well on her journey.

Robin had a singular gift for making the most of all things, may it be allowing her child to ride her tricycle in their apartment after a week of rain, or finishing off a 50-mile bike ride with her husband Jim with a stop for ice cream or berry picking. She took great joy in hosting low-key and festive holiday potlucks, baking goodies for others and creating all sorts of things - quilts, flags, wreaths - to give to friends and family. To her grandchildren, she was an endless source of fun activities with homemade cookies, indoor baseball with balloons and catching frogs, to name a few. To everyone else, she was a wellspring of resourcefulness, true friendship and a wicked sense of humor. Robin never met a stray animal whose life she couldn't make better (usually by taking them in) or a person whose life wasn't enriched for having known her, as evidenced by the hundreds of stories delivered to her family of her profound yet everyday kindnesses.

Born in 1952, Robin Forsythe Mias was the daughter of Dorothy and Leo Forsythe. A middle child among siblings Suzan, Bruce, Jeffrey, Terese (Trek) and Tim (who passed away last fall), she was raised in their Bridge Road home a stone's throw from the Warner Farm's oxen and the Look Park pool. A Cooley Dickinson baby, Gazette paper girl, and tobacco worker, she eventually got her LPN degree from the Smith Vocational Nursing Program, fulfilling her destiny as a caregiver. Her nursing career spanned four separate 10-year positions: starting at Cooley Dickinson on all shifts, Hospice Nurse, Office Nurse for Drs. Zesiger and Kamel and at Riverside Industries. She retired, only to return to nursing by assisting Jim and Priscilla Dean alongside fellow nurse and lifelong friend Melissa Miller in the final three years of their lives while battling her own cancer. The Deans were like family to her.

Robin leaves behind her husband Jim, daughter Lisa Page and her husband Tony Page, and son Seth Mias. While she lived a full, vibrant life, nothing pleased her more than watching her grandchildren grow up close by. Zach Page, who shared a birthday with her, and Nolan, Molly and Finn Mias were the joys of her life. Grandma shined whenever they were near. Robin also leaves behind Trish Hourihan, mom to Nolan, Molly and Finn, and Lisa Forsythe, her sister in law. Melissa (Newman) Miller was her touchstone, and niece Jody Young was like another daughter. Beth Kilduff was also a dear friend. Many other nieces, nephews and in-laws were incredibly meaningful in her life.

The Mias Family would like to thank the Leeds neighborhood, Northampton Rail Trail Friends, The Mater Dolorosa community of Holyoke and Hospice of Hampshire County, with much gratitude to nurses Julie, Dawn and Becca. Finally, thanks to Drs. Howard and Jodka, Chris and all involved at Cooley Dickinson in Robin's 2 ½ years of treatment. We were so lucky to have you near.

Robin has passed away, but has imprinted in us love, kindness and humility. Her legacy is gratitude for small beauty and everyday joys.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Apr. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robin Forsythe-Mias

25 Entries

Barry Bouthilette

May 14, 2025

So sorry to hear of Robin's passing. What a beautifully written obit. Thanks for letting us in on Robin's many wonderful qualities which some of us didn't have the privilege of experiencing first hand. Every encounter with Robin for me was on a bicycle, it seems, and often with Jim along side her. Many years ago we passed them on bikes as they were headed to Hinsdale to bet on the doggies, I think. One of many incredible cycling adventures Robin and Jim went on over the years, no doubt. A few times I passed Robin on her bicycle as she was commuting from Easthampton after providing care for my brother Robin and many other folks at Riverside Industries. Pretty impressive - her commitment to working with the underdogs in this world, and equally noteworthy was her (and JIm's) choice to leave a small footprint on this earth by cycling instead of driving everywhere, like the rest of us. Sending warm thoughts to you, Jim and Seth and Lisa and your families.

Ruth Critcher

May 4, 2025

The Leeds streets were blessed with Robin´s warmth and friendliness. I appreciated every time I heard her calling out that wonderful hello as she biked by. Amazing person. Sorry for your loss.

Laurel and David Gardner

May 2, 2025

Dear Jim and Seth,
We are so sorry about this. Nearly every December for many years, we were privileged Easthamptonites, singing carols and socializing with you and your neighbors. It was always a pleasure to talk (and sing!) with Robin. (and with Jim) Robin was friendly, smart, and caring. Your loss resonates with us and will long impact your Leeds community. In Deepest Sympathy, Laurel and David Gardner

Kristen Lagrotteria (Ludwiczak)

April 30, 2025

Dear Jim and Seth. I am so sorry to hear of Robin's passing. She was always so welcoming and kind to me when I was a child, and how I LOVED how she allowed me to come over to your old home unannounced to play with Seth and all the pets. To this day, when I drive by your old home on Bridge Rd, I smile for the memories. God bless Robin, and all who love her.

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PEG TACY

April 30, 2025

JIM & FAMILY
I AM VERY SAD TO HEAR OF ROBIN´S PASSING. It was always giggles & laughs when I saw her. We went to Nursing School together and I enjoyed her humor and kindness always. My thoughts are with Robin´s friends & family.

Carolyn Strycharz

April 30, 2025

Jim and family, my sincere condolences for the loss of Robin. She was blessed with a beautiful family. Comfort and peace for all of you in the coming days.

Terry Carr

April 29, 2025

My heart goes out to all the family and friends who are grieving for the loss of Robin. Especially Jim, Seth, and Lisa.
Robin took care of my mother when Robin was a Hospice nurse at CDH. Robin and Jim always gave me a warm welcome whenever I saw them.
Celebrating a life filled with joy and love. Wishing peace and comfort to everyone who knew Robin.
Rest easy my friend.

Ray and Caroline Wozniak

April 28, 2025

So very to hear of your loss

Ansia Petropulos

April 28, 2025

As Jim's wife, Robin was always very kind to me and I really enjoyed talking about how Northampton was in the 60's and 70's. I know she will be missed.

Ansia Petropulos

Denise Robitaille

Planted Trees

Cheryl

April 28, 2025

I only knew Robin in passing, but always felt connected and comfortable in her presence...

Frank A Bogdan

April 28, 2025

Jim,
Sorry for your loss.

Frank A. Bogdan

Jonathan Kurtis

April 28, 2025

Jim and family,

My sincere condolences .
My Robin's memory serve as blessing to all her knew her.

suzan forsythe

April 27, 2025

My Beloved sister Robin radiated an extraordinary "Wealth of Being. " Interacting with the Natural world was her "Jam." She traveled her path with Humility, Grace, Dignity, Integrity, Compassion, and a "wicked" sense of humor. Blessings on your new journey Dear One.

Jill Burlingame

April 27, 2025

Dear Jim and family,
Twig and I are so sorry for your loss. Robin was an awesome person and will be missed so much. I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood when she was so much a part of our family! So many of the memories are of Robin and my sister Chris and their adventures!! I hope is she is hanging out with Chris
right now! Love you, Rob!

J.J (Tali, Jennie)

April 27, 2025

My sweet wonderful Aunt. My rock, one of many, a huge supporter and light in my and my families lives.

Losing my aunt Robin is very heavy on me, as she always felt like Aunti/Mom/Friend rolled into one beautiful package.

But so too, am I filled to the brim with beautiful memories.

Robin lived her life to the fullest, taking each day in stride, with a smile on her face and supportive words at a moments notice.

She and my uncle Jim's home and support was my escape and sanctuary growing up. It was a place that sparked my imagination, and furthered my deep love for all things nature, laughter and joyous.

Robin taught me to sew, I have memories of making flags together featuring one of our favorite subjects: birds, nature, and flowers.

We would have movie nights together, go for walks or bike rides.

Many memories of Easters, Thanksgiving, Christmas, The neighborhood Pumpkin carving contest. Sleepovers, birthdays, getogethers, time spent with her many rescue cats, dogs, and birds over my and their lifetime.

I cherished and will always cherish the memories made there.

At night I would go out with my Uncle Jim and the neighborhood kids catching fireflies in jars to see how pretty they would light up.

She would always chuckle and marvel how, no matter which night it was, I'd always manage to have a Firefly or three on me and she would gently let them go outside.

I have great laughter, as a very prominent memory in our Christmas times together, was Uncle Jim hiding Baby Jesus from the crèche, and the only way to find him was to see where the Shepherd was pointing.

Robin, would stand with her hands on her hips when she noticed, shoot a look at uncle Jim and say "JIM! Where is baby Jesus?! Put him back!"

I would laugh, many of us would because although she may have sounded firm, it was hard to miss the smile barely creeping at the corners of her lips.

This happened every year. Baby Jesus would find his way back to the crèche and Aunti would be eyeballing the nativity scene the rest of the afternoon.

She was there with me through all of my most painful, harsh losses. From my brother and grandmother, to dear friends and other family members, numbering many over the last almost 30 years of knowing her.

I cannot put to words, how kind, pure hearted, loving and compassionate Robin was. She was truly a free spirit, and just Like my uncle Jim, her beloved husband, would do anything in her power to help someone in need. No questions asked.

They would bike countless miles a week together. I think I've only seen them drive a handful of times or two, to be honest. Uncle Jim and Aunti Robin biked wherever they could go.

We had many a phonecall, and in person conversation. It was always filled with joy. Heavy topics here and there, however such is life and she always put one foot in front of the other. Conversation more than not was filled with passionate talk of gardening, flowers, birds, outdoors, art, and her love for others.

Even while going through her treatments, I've seen aunti Robin and uncle Jim up in our area many times. They even biked to our house last year, despite what she was going through. She lived ever single last drop of her life to the fullest she could, every moment she lived.

I was fortunate enough to see her at fall festival last year, while I was vendoring upstairs in the town hall. It made me so so happy for her to see me at a festival, finally at long last I was "Getting yourself out there! Doing what you love" as she would say.

And she was so, so proud.

Aunti and I often exchanged funny stories or encounters. And let me tell you her laugh and smile was one of the most infectious.

She could light up an entire room with but a single smile or laugh, no exaggeration.

She brought one of the purest forms of joy and light everywhere she went and impacted a great, great many people in her time on this planet.

Robin rejoiced in any time she could spend with family, with their grandchildren, her friends, and spoke of them often.

I have been an artist for the last 30+ years of my life, and Aunti Robin was among one of many increadibly inpactfuk, beautiful supporters of my endeavors.

Robin encouraged those she met to keep doing the things they loved. Take time to step into your inner self and find joy no matter the situation. Find the time to process your feelings and then put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.

"Wheels may fall off, but keep on rolling. Keep going. Bad things and bad feelings will not last forever"

I've heard that phrase and others like that from her my whole life.

Any time I would falter, or feel low, she was one of those family I could call and feel almost immidiately better after a conversation.

She was so, so increadibly supportive and absolutly one of the biggest rocks in my life.

Robin was compassionate, understanding, empathetic, supportive, loving, encouraging, beautiful in body and spirit, and so many other things our vast world of many languages simply do not have the words for.

There is this immense gap, in many of us at her leaving this mortal plane.

But let us not forget, all of the increadible memories, the love, the joy, that Robin brought to our lives.

Because those beautiful memories. The joy, love and laughter Robin brought to us all, could at the very same time, fill every single gap, crack and crevice her loss has seemingly left behind.

If positivity, joy, love, laughter and light could be symbolized in a physical human being;

Robin Mias was one of these such beings.

--Love forever and ever, always and ever, your neice: J.J

Erika Willis Kirejczyk

April 26, 2025

To my absolutely beautiful Aunt "Robin" your smile and spirit literally lit up any room. Your laughter and jokes were so totally contagious and you were always so calm. I am so blessed, grateful and thankful that you were apart of my life. Only in love, light, peace and soul.
With all my love
Your niece
Erika

Linda OBrien

April 26, 2025

Jimmy and kids I am so sorry to hear of Robin´s passing. What a lovely soul she was

Amy Bedell

April 26, 2025

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. I only knew you both in passing, seeing you on your bicycles as you passed my home in Haydenville, seeing you everywhere else on your bikes, but nonetheless, I will miss you, Robin.

Phil Carme and Linda Zabek

April 26, 2025

Jim, Lisa, and Seth and families
I am truly saddened to learn of Robin´s passing.
As a family friend and co worker of Jim @ Leeds VAMC for 30+ yrs.
I feel numb of her passing.
I live about 20 miles from Leeds and
Robin & Jim would pass by our house.
Just simple chit chat and on they went.Robin always w much humor .
My son Nick said the Mia´s, were special and always included the young folks in their plans.
I know that God has taken Robin from us but he has bigger plans @ a bigger venue.
God Bless

Curt Loud Jenn Mahar

Planted Trees

Francesca Austin

April 26, 2025

I am so sorry for our loss of this wonderful woman. Condolences to Jim and his entire family as well as all of her friends. Rest in peace Robin - helping others as you progress in the after life.

Melinda Freund Schneider

April 26, 2025

Such a wonderful life remembered. The daughter of Priscilla Deane, I remember many teatimes around the dining table with Robin, my mom, and my uncle Jim. Robin was always caring, always conversational. We share grandsons named Zachary/Zackary, who are the same age, giving us lots to talk about! I will always feel grateful to Robin and Melissa who helped give my mother and uncle the best final years of their lives. My family grew to see these two angels as family. Robin, you will be deeply missed.

Paul and Jane Lyons

April 26, 2025

What a loss for all of you. Sometimes we get too used to friends and neighbors walking, biking or just spending time at the Leeds Post Office. Robyn always made us feel good with a wave and a smile as she peddled by. Robyn represented welcoming and friendliness to all. We will miss her very much. Love to the the Mias Family from the Lyons

James M. McNally Sr. and Angela Mansilillo

April 26, 2025

I am so sorry Jim, Lisa, and Seth for your loss. Robin was a special person full of love and kindness. She will be missed by everyone whos lives she touched.

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