Cathleen C. Robinson

CATHLEEN C. ROBINSON

Hadley, MA - Cathleen Clara Robinson, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026.

Cathleen was born on May 18, 1941 to Walter and Clara Robinson in Canton, Ohio. After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Cathleen joined the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in Villa Maria, PA. During her fourteen years with the convent, she earned her BA in English and Spanish from Notre Dame of Ohio and her Master's in Spanish from Middlebury College. A lifelong learner, Cathleen continued her education over the years at Emory, BYU, and Gannon College.

She started her teaching career at Central Catholic and Magnificat High Schools in Ohio. In 1974, Cathleen joined the faculty at The Williston Northampton School, retiring in 2001.

At Williston, Cathleen met her future husband and fellow faculty member, Raymond L. Brown. Together, they enjoyed 48 years of wedded bliss. Cathleen was the beloved stepmother to Karen Brown Golding (Brage) and Amy Brown, and cherished Nana to Brage Raymond Golding and Isabel Cathleen Brassil.

At Williston, Cathleen taught Spanish, Journalism, Latin American History, and Philosophy and chaired the Language Department. She created the new teacher's orientation, Arete tutoring, and Writers' Workshop programs and led student trips to Spain, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Under her mentorship, the school newspaper, The Willistonian, earned national honors.

In recognition of Cathleen's 27 years of extraordinary service to the school as a teacher, advisor, and friend, she was presented with Williston's Award for Eminent Service by the Alumni/ae Association.

Cathleen and Ray traveled extensively, often merging her love for the Spanish language and exploring new cultures with Ray's love of soccer. An accomplished writer, she authored the novel, My Beard is White Now, about life in Hadley, MA during World War II and the role of German POWs at local farms. Her stories and articles appeared in numerous publications and she enjoyed leading writing workshops and book clubs. Cathleen loved to sing and was a member of church choirs in Easthampton, Hadley, and North Fort Myers, FL, where Cathleen and Ray wintered for many years.

Cathleen was always challenging herself; doing an Outward Bound wilderness program in the NC mountains and riding her bike extensively throughout Western Massachusetts. She timed countless Williston girls' basketball games, went on many shopping trips with Ann, Betsy and Karin, tended to her beautiful flower gardens, and cared for her mini dachshunds. A heartfelt thank you to Claire Frierson for always being a devoted friend to Cathleen.

A teacher, advisor, dorm parent, colleague, mentor, parishioner, neighbor, and friend, Cathleen was exceptionally proud of her enduring, cherished friendships with so many from all chapters of her life.

Cathleen is also survived by her siblings: David Robinson (Bonnie), Neal Robinson (Suzanne), Cindy Rivendell (Sherry), Chris Fantini (Joe), and Rick Robinson, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and extended family in TX, WI, and OH. Locally, she leaves her nieces and nephews Paul Brown III, Doug Brown (Robin), Susan Swirbalus (Bob), and Kristin Nyren (Jeff).

We are deeply grateful to Calista and Karla, whose loving care following Cathleen's 2019 stroke allowed her to remain in her home with Ray.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathleen C. Robinson Scholarship Fund at The Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027.

Calling hours will be held at Czelusniak Funeral Home in Northampton from 4-6:00pm on Thursday, March 5. Services will be held at Most Holy Redeemer Church in Hadley at 10:00am on Friday, March 6. A private burial will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at Williston's Reunion Weekend in June.

Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.