Robin L. Arruda

Robin L. Arruda, 65, of Watertown, passed away Thursday, January 22nd at Samaritan Medical Center after more than a decade long battle with lung cancer. 

Robin was born in Watertown on September 23, 1960 to Frank E. and Beverly E. (Gardner) Arruda. 

She is survived by her children, Christopher Arruda, who loved her to “the hyper space” and back, Natasha (Boop) Arruda, and her step daughter Betty-Jean Maclachlan, all of Watertown. And of course, her pride and joy, her grandchildren. These include Chris’ children Chloey, Carter and Caelynn Arruda of Watertown. As well as Betty’s children, Connor of Fresno California, Caeleigh (Kaytlin) of Watertown, and Carah Wren of Watertown. She also had several great grandchildren, Noah and Olivia Maclachlan of Fresno California, as well as Ryker Gallaher and Alayah Wren of Watertown. She is also survived by a sister Donna (Peanut) Willard of Ogdensburg as well as several nieces and nephews.

Robin was predeceased by her longtime partner and father of her children Ellis (Skeeter) Narrow, her parents Frank and Beverly Arruda, as well as three brothers and one sister; Anthony (Tony), Stephen (Stevie), Ronald (Choppy) and Cathy Jo (Babes) Arruda.

Robin attended Watertown City Schools where she was eventually employed as a custodian for the district. She worked at many of the district buildings, widely known for being the favorite custodian (sorry, Dell) until she finally landed where she considered home, North Elementary. She spent her years at North enjoying her work and cherishing all the friendships she made along the way. Being notoriously known throughout the building for her innocent mischievousness and being a great predictor of snow days. You could often find many staff and students waiting in anticipation of her official delay/cancellation report. For the record, she was almost always right.

Robin was through and through a lifelong Northsider. She had a tough life but no matter what was thrown at her she persevered and never gave up, fighting until the end. Despite her crass exterior Robin had a heart of gold and the most pure, gentlest, soul you’d ever encounter. She never hesitated to help anyone, ever, with zero judgement, no matter the circumstances. To know her was to love her, once you got used to her infamous sailor’s mouth that is. In her retirement you could find her pridefully babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to let them know or show them how much she loved them. What her “babies” wanted, they got, no matter what. At one point Caelynn insisted on going swimming, in the middle of January. Without hesitation she immediately filled a kiddie pool in the middle of her kitchen to oblige her babies request. If she wasn’t caring for her babies you could regularly find her on the phone with her lifetime true love, Jimmy, or at any of the local Kinney drugs purchasing her guilty pleasure, lottery tickets.  

At the end of her battle Robin was very clear that her obituary was to include the aforementioned, as well as a special thank you to Katherine (Kat) Navarra, who is not only the mother to three of her beloved grandbabies but is someone whom Robin loved and cherished as one of her own. Robin and her family will be eternally grateful for Kat and her mother, Nancy Wearne-Navarra, for their endless help and support. There was no task too big or small, Kat and Nancy were always just a phone call away. She would also like to thank the ICU nurses at Samaritan for their compassion and excellent care in her final days, as well as ensure that Rob from radiation keeps donating to the “Robin Arruda Potty Mouth Jar” in her memory.  

Arrangements are being handled by Reed and Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.  As per Robin’s wishes, she will be cremated and there will be no services. However, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Donations to help with cremation expenses can be made directly to Reed and Benoit Funeral Home, Inc or sent to Kat on cashapp, @knavarra1224.