Nina Marie Robins (formerly Gaffke), née Hyshka, of Livonia, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 24th, 2025 in Rodney, Michigan at age 92. Nina was born March 23rd, 1933 in Hamtramck, Michigan and graduated from Hamtramck High School. She earned a Bachelor's degree as well as a Master's degree in education from Western Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University respectively. During this time, she was the vice president of the Delta Zeta sorority (Gamma Pi Chapter).
Nina will be remembered as an influential and beloved first and second grade teacher as well as principal for a total of 42 years in the South Redford School District. She originally taught at Mason Elementary School and finished her career as principal at Vandenberg Elementary School. She made an impact on students and teachers alike with many keeping in touch over the decades and several inspired to pursue teaching careers led by her example.
Nina was a lifelong musician and spent many happy years as the pianist for the Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra. Additionally, she loved her many animals over the years and was an avid gardener as well as an integral member of the Livonia Garden Club.
She is cherished as the family matriarch; always generous, supportive, and hosting holiday dinners to bring the whole family together to share good food, fond memories, and laughter. Preceded in death by her parents Alice Hyshka (Smith) and George Hyshka of Hamtramck, Michigan and husbands George Gaffke and Melvin Robins as well as close companions Alvin Hart and Eunice Manela. She is survived by her sister Carole Rihani and sons George Gaffke (LeAnn) and Jason Gaffke (Teresa). Her grandchildren Michael (Joana), Daniel, Jon Paul, Nicholas, and Nina. Great grandchildren Kiley, Charlie, Grayson, Zander, Luke, and McKenna. Also, nieces and nephew Mary, Alexa, and George.
Nina will be interned at Parkview Memorial Cemetery. A memorial luncheon will be held on Saturday January 10th, 2025 from 12pm-5pm (buffet served at 1pm) at FINS Kitchen & Bar located inside the Detroit Marriott Livonia 17100 N Laurel Park Dr Livonia, Michigan 48152. Please bring pictures and memories to share.
Nina will be remembered as an influential and beloved first and second grade teacher as well as principal for a total of 42 years in the South Redford School District. She originally taught at Mason Elementary School and finished her career as principal at Vandenberg Elementary School. She made an impact on students and teachers alike with many keeping in touch over the decades and several inspired to pursue teaching careers led by her example.
Nina was a lifelong musician and spent many happy years as the pianist for the Hotel Savarine Society Orchestra. Additionally, she loved her many animals over the years and was an avid gardener as well as an integral member of the Livonia Garden Club.
She is cherished as the family matriarch; always generous, supportive, and hosting holiday dinners to bring the whole family together to share good food, fond memories, and laughter. Preceded in death by her parents Alice Hyshka (Smith) and George Hyshka of Hamtramck, Michigan and husbands George Gaffke and Melvin Robins as well as close companions Alvin Hart and Eunice Manela. She is survived by her sister Carole Rihani and sons George Gaffke (LeAnn) and Jason Gaffke (Teresa). Her grandchildren Michael (Joana), Daniel, Jon Paul, Nicholas, and Nina. Great grandchildren Kiley, Charlie, Grayson, Zander, Luke, and McKenna. Also, nieces and nephew Mary, Alexa, and George.
Nina will be interned at Parkview Memorial Cemetery. A memorial luncheon will be held on Saturday January 10th, 2025 from 12pm-5pm (buffet served at 1pm) at FINS Kitchen & Bar located inside the Detroit Marriott Livonia 17100 N Laurel Park Dr Livonia, Michigan 48152. Please bring pictures and memories to share.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nina Robins, please visit our flower store.
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