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Marilyn Robertson Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn Robertson
Paul Pici
October 9, 2004
Well, it has been over 9 months now and I can't say that I feel any better about Marilyn's death. People have been great with their support and their prayers and that just isn't the issue. I appreciate all of that. My problem is that Marilyn's death changed everything for me. The way I look at family, life , work and well, myself. Although I have not lost any passion for the previously named items, I have realized where they fit in as far as importance. My real problem is I miss her. I can't explain how or why, but there are just moments everyday, that remind me she is not with us. I would do anything to turn back the clock just for another 6 months. I am realizing daily, that she meant more to me than I had ever imagined. I will get thru these upcoming holidays, but I am sure to be a wreck. The Turkey can not be the same. The gravy can not be the same... Our lives will never be the same.I miss her daily.
Her friend,
Paul
Marydel Gaiser
February 17, 2004
I was so sorry to hear of Marilyn's passing. She will be sorely missed in the hospitality industry. She certainly has been a credit to her profession as well as a personal friend.
Tracey Pici
February 1, 2004
A wise person once told me that he thought a funeral should be a celebration of a persons life, not just a mourning of their death. So I'd like to take a moment and celebrate my mother's life.
She told me a story once about being in elementary school. The teacher was asking all the kids in class what they wanted to be when they grew up. The class was full of wanna-be firemen, doctors, nurses and teachers. My mother however had loftier plans. She wanted to be a movie star! Right then and there she cemented her place as her own person.
Words people have used to describe my mother are beautiful, classy, strong, independent and smart. We were all convinced she was a genius. I remember watching Jeopardy with her and she'd get every answer right. She knew how to spell every word you'd ask her about, although she wouldn't. She'd make us go look it up in the dictionary. It wasn't because she didn't want to help, it was because she wanted us to be able to do it for ourselves. She raised us all to be independent, capable people. And I think she was very successful.
She was well traveled. London, Paris, Japan and Thailand on business. Spain and Greece with my father. After returning from a trip to Greece she helped my sister with a project for school. She had pictures and maps and even supplied the class with Baclava. Sarah of course, scored and A+. See, I told you she was a genius.
She loves sailing. She and my father spent alot of time racing on the Great Lakes. After a few years of working the fore deck of the boat, she had built up amazing muscles in her arms. We as kids were always very impressed with this. Not only was she beautiful and smart, but she could pound the snot out of you as well. And none of our other friends mom's had muscles like that!
She took an Archeology course at UB.
She took a gourmet cooking class, although she didn't need to. She was an excellent cook. She had a huge assortment of cookbooks, including her own books of favorite recipes that she put together. She made the best pastry. She was making double baked potatoes and caesar salad before they became the rage. She was able to turn my father, who when they met would only eat meat and potatoes into someone who would eat mussels and salmon and garlic laden caesar salad. She even got a taxi driver in London to give her his wifes recipe for mussels.
She had her own motorcycle. Which she parked in the living room since the garage hadn't been built yet. But that's normal, right?
She worked in positions that were normally held by men. She didn't whine about being a woman in a man's world. She just worked hard and proved she was the better person for the job.
She sang in a trio and performed at the Showboat in Buffalo, the Red Coach Inn in Niagara Falls and a one night gig at the Athens Hilton in Greece.
Talking with my brother and sister we all felt the same way about her. We were proud that she was our mom. It was never embarrassing to see her around our friends. When we would see her walk into a room we were filled with the overwhelming feeling that everyone in the room should be looking at her. Seeing her the way we saw her. She touched every person she ever met in some way. The nurses at the hospital were always remarking about how thoughtful she was. Always asking them something about themselves. Remembering names and children and sharing her life with them. She was personal.
My parents had a wonderful relationship. They were best friends. My father will tell you that the reason they sailed was because it was something they could do together. He didn't want to spend time golfing or going out with his buddies. He wanted to spend time with her. Instead of evenings spent in front of the TV, theirs were spent sitting in front of each other. Sharing a cocktail "Cheers, my darling". And sharing their day.
Their love for each other has been a lesson for my brother, sister and I.
Even as the disease progressed, my mother never lost her sense of humor or her strength. It was an inspiration to us all. She never complained. She was strong through the end.
James Pici
January 28, 2004
Grandma. A word very disliked by my grandmother. The grandchildren had to call her by a different name. Calling her Marilyn was impolite for respect reasons. Marnie was the name that all the grandchildren knew her by. She was not just a grandmother to us, but also a teacher. She taught us about many different things ranging from etiquette to Japan.
We would always look forward to Marnie coming back from Japan. She would always suprise her grandkids with gifts. She loved us all very much. She even inspired me to be a chef. She never gave up on me, always pushing me every time, striving for perfection and to add just the right amount of lemon to make the most delicious lemon meringue pie. She never let anyone in the kitchen. Especially during Thanksgiving. Everyone knew to keep a ten foot radius away from the kitchen during preparation. But during dinner you wish you could have been in there to see how she put together those amazing dinners.
For my older sister Emily, sailing was her favorite memory. She was so happy when she turned 13 because she didn't have to wear a life jacket anymore. But Marnie still made us wear them and its' been 5 years. My grandmother also told Emily "If you get sick, just look at the horizon, it never moves." And it always worked.
For my younger sister, it was always the same question. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Everytime Marnie saw Sarah she would ask. Sarah never knew what she wanted to be though. Me and my sisters really got a chance to know Marnie well. That's what upsets me, that my younger cousins never got to know her. They will have a hard time looking for someone who is as amazing as her.
My Mom stayed at the hospital with my Grandfather, aunt and uncle, never leaving Marnie's side. They were very dedicated to their mother and my grandfather to his wife. I don't know what I would do without my Mom, because all we ate for that week and a half was frozen pizzas and chex mix. My dad did a good job, though.
Marnie had taught us many lessons throughout our lives. Many of which we will continue to use to become better people, friends and family. I guess for now this is goodbye. Until we meet again. From all of your Grandchildren...We love you Marnie!
Joe & Judy DiFranco
January 23, 2004
Dear John, Tracey, Jonathan, Sarah and Family,
May the precious memories you all share of your wife and mother bring comfort to you during this time of sorrow. Now, you are at peace, Marilyn.
Love,
Joe and Judy DiFranco
Paul Pici
January 23, 2004
Fond Memories.... I have a few....
Marilyn holding each of my children for the first time and the smile it brought to her face... Her Turkey and potatoes and dressing and gravy on Thanksgiving were unmatched...Sailing on Lake Ontario and sitting and talking after..Watching the ducks in the pond off the back deck.. Dinner at 9pm...Her bright eyes and her smile..The model she was for her children... Her belief that there is no luck, just hard work that creates opportunities and then working hard enough to create those opportunities, for herself and all of us....Never complaining thru it all....All of us will miss her...
Jan, Blake, & Paige Rockwood
January 22, 2004
Dear Traci & Paul, Jonathan & Sue, Sarah & Vince, and families,
Somehow we always feel our parents are eternal and will always be here with us. We are saddened by your loss and send you our sincerest condolences. I have fond memories of your Mom's beautiful smile as she watched Sarah walk down the isle with your Dad at their wedding! "Those who have given of themselves to others will live forever in every single heart they have touched." May God bless,
Donna Prespo
January 22, 2004
To My Dear Friend Marilyn:
It was a pleasure taking care of you. I will always cherish your warm smiles and our moments that we had. You have been great and dear friend to me. You hold a special place in my heart that I will always cherish. Now you are at peace. I will always love you.
Donna Prespo
[email protected]
Ken & Pat Pohle
January 22, 2004
Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning... Psalms 30:5
This may be a dark time, but the morning will come, and we will see her again. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken and Pat
Donna Prespo
January 21, 2004
Marilyn, my dear friend:
Thank you for our special friendship that we had. It was a great pleasure for allowing me to take of you. I will cherish your warm smiles that you always greeted me with. Now your at peace. Thank you Marilyn for everything you have done.
Now you are at peace . Love You Marilyn.
Donna Prespo
Elma,New York
Deanne Bassili
January 21, 2004
Uncle John, Tracey, Jonathan and Sarah. What an unbearable loss. Our hearts are heavy yet our memories will remain strong of Aunt Marilyn and her beautiful red hair and bright eyes. Love to you all.
Cousin Deanne (Missie), Ash and Family
Patty and Jerry Wagner
January 21, 2004
You are all in our thoughts at this difficult time. May God bless you and hold you close. Remember your mother will live forever in your hearts and memories.
James Pici
January 21, 2004
My grandmother. She was more than just a grandmother to her grandkids , but also a friend, teacher, and a sholder to cry on when you needed to. She had inspired me to become a better person, friend and family member throught my life. I want to thank you Marnie for always being there for us. We love you.
Brian Herr
January 21, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time. We hope this verse brings some comfort and encouragement:
John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Brian and Alexis Herr
Ed, Sylvia Colan
January 21, 2004
John, Sarah, Tracy, Jonathan & Family
May loved ones comfort you,
may faith uphold you,
and may fond memories give you peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your sorrow.
Cyndi & Mike Mackrides
January 20, 2004
Dear John, Sarah and Family,
It isn't the date on either end that counts
But how they used their dash
For that dash between the dates
Represents all the time they spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved them know
What that little line is worth
You are in our hearts and prayers.
We Love You...
Cyndi & Mike Mackrides
The Ron Herr Family
January 20, 2004
We were sad for all of you to hear of Marnies passing. We pray that God comfort and strengthen you all.
Isaiah 54:10 says," My kindness shall not depart from you,nor shall my covenant of peace be removed."
Ron,Sally and Christina Herr
Geoff, Dawn, Mike & Brit Freeman
January 20, 2004
We are all very saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing. Her beautiful bright smiles and her warm hugs will never be forgotten. She will always be lovingly remembered.
We think of a person's life like a sheet of music. The notes on the song sheet are the events in a person's life; no two songs are the same. Marilyn's love for her family, sailing and life makes her song special and one that we will always remember.
May God grant you His comfort and care at this time.
Brian Mullins
January 20, 2004
John, Tracey, Jon, Sarah & Family,
"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." Jeremiah 31:13
These words may be difficult to hear now, but I believe that in time God will indeed give you comfort and joy. Please know that we're praying for you all.
Pastor Brian
Paul Pici
January 20, 2004
Marilyn was more than my mother-in-law, she was one of my best friends. Not many son-in-laws can say that. I am honored to state that I was able to spend 25 years of my life knowing her.
Paul
Donna Prespo
January 20, 2004
What a big loss to all of us.
Why can't great people like Marilyn live forever? There are not many like her. She will be greatly missed.
John and Family:
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We will keep Marilyn and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna Prespo and Family
[email protected]
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