Nella Robinson

Nella A. Robinson NORFOLK - Mrs. Nella (Asquini) Robinson died Thursday, July 9, 2009. She was born Aug. 6, 1928, to Gino and Maria (Borngolo) Asquini in Udine, Italy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger brother, Sergio. Fluent in five languages, Nella was the executive assistant to Msgr. Joseph Harnett, director of Catholic Relief Services in Trieste after World War II. Nella married 1st Lt. Richard R. Robinson of St. Louis, Mich., Sept. 3, 1951, at the Cathedral of San Giusto in Trieste, with a full military honor guard. They moved to Michigan so Mr. Robinson could finish law school at U-M, and they settled in Howell in 1955. The couple was very active in Michigan politics. State political observers credited Nella as instrumental in getting her husband elected as a district judge in 1970. Mr. Robinson preceded her in death. Nella was a co-chairman of the American Red Cross Gray Ladies and volunteered at McPherson Hospital. She also served as president and was a longtime member of the Rosary Altar Society at St. Joseph's Church in Howell. For several years, she worked as a physical therapy aide at Greenbriar Care Center. She is survived by her beloved children: Rosanna Fitzpatrick (Christopher) of Bloomington, Ill., Dr. Bradbury N. Robinson IV (Lori) of Norfolk, Richard R. Robinson II (Deborah) of Washington, D.C., and Renee Hunt (Spencer) of Westerville, Ohio; six grandchildren, Alex and Sam Robinson, Brittan Robinson and Aidan, Donovan and Bailey Hunt. She also leaves behind numerous family members and friends in Italy and Australia. A funeral is planned at Christ the King Catholic Church in Norfolk for Aug. 22, 2009, at 10 a.m. Per her wishes, her ashes will be spread in Virginia and her hometown in Italy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ballentine Fellowship Fund, 7211 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater handled arrangements, www.candfservices.com.