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BORN

1946

DIED

2025

Kathy Robinson Obituary

Kathy Robinson

March 26, 1946 - March 3, 2025

Fresno, California - Kathy's courageous battle with cancer ended on March 3, 2025.

Kathy's hope and courage throughout her fight and journey were exactly what we knew her to be: legendary. Her faith and inspiration were contagious. She was a beacon of light for her family and friends.

An amazingly talented woman, she lived a robust and rewarding life. She was an award winning, master teacher at Tenaya Middle School and Bullard High School for nearly 40 years. She brought "magic" to education - her ability to connect with kids generated confidence in thousands of students who genuinely loved her.

Kathy began her illustrious career in 1970 at Yosemite Middle School, though her most fabulous years were spent at Tenaya as a beloved drama, speech arts and forensics guru. She followed that up with two years at her alma mater - Bullard High School (class of 1964). Upon retirement, Kathy channeled her creative energy into her company focused on landscaping and home design.

Kathy graduated from Fresno State University in 1968 and earned a lifetime secondary teaching credential in geography/history and speech communication. She was designated a mentor teacher and was honored in 2003 and 2007 as a Middle School Teacher of the Year. She received numerous honors from city and state leaders for her teaching and community service, most notably for the development of her renowned Improv Team. She was featured in numerous media outlets over the years and honored multiple times in the list of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Outside of the classroom, Kathy was a community stalwart. She volunteered and served in Junior League, LARCs, the Fresno City College Foundation, the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation, the Fresno and San Francisco chapters of H.O.W. (Helping One Woman), the Bullard football and baseball clubs, the Fig Garden Women's Club and as a member of a local improv troupe. Kathy loved her travels to Europe, Canada, and many major U.S. cities, with San Francisco, New York, and New Orleans being her favorites.

Kathy was married (1970) to Dan Robinson for 55 years. She fiercely loved her family, children, grandchildren, friends and community. She is survived by her husband Dan; son Matt (Laurel) Robinson; daughter Brittany (Mike Whelan); and grandsons Nate and Dylan Robinson (who always pulled and tugged on her heartstrings); sister-in-law Kathy Dennen; brother-in-law Bill (Kathy) Robinson; sister Jill Greenberg; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Logan and Frieda Southfield; and brother Tim Southfield.

Kathy was laid to rest at a private family ceremony at Belmont Memorial Park. A celebration of life for Mrs. Rob will be held at Pardini's at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy's honor to a cancer charity that has touched your family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee from Mar. 6 to Mar. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathy Robinson

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Drum Major MJB

May 7, 2025

Charming at sixteen in the autumn of 1962 photograph. Charming still in 2014 when our paths crossed for an afternoon at a 50th reunion planning meeting. My condolences to the family

Leslie Emerzian

March 31, 2025

Dear Danny--on behalf of Janice and myself our most sincere condolences on Kathy's passing--God bless you and your wonderful family-Les Emerzian

Don Asperger

March 15, 2025

Kathy was a wonderful and beloved teacher for two generations of our family. Our lives are enriched by the time we had with her. Sincere condolences to Dan and family.

Marilyn Avakian (McPherson)

March 14, 2025

Our prayers and sympathy go to you and your family. Kathy is in the arms of the lord and out of pain now, may you find peace and comfort knowing that there is no more suffering.

Sue Davila-Britton

March 10, 2025

I first met Kathy when she taught my kids Blake and Anne at Tenaya Middle school. It was also during those years when we both volunteered in Fresno´s Junior League. Years later it turned into a friendship with many fun memories of meeting Kathy for coffee and estate sales. She had a great eye for design and a talent for finding interesting hidden treasures to decorate her home and her clients homes and gardens. She loved the hunt for a great find! Kathy was a beautiful and vivacious woman. Her upbeat personality was admired by her friends. She gave everyone joy with her great big smile. May she rest in peace! My warm Condolences to the Robinson family.

Bob Avedesian

March 8, 2025

Danny, Sending my sincere condolences to you and your entire family.

Joan Marlow Gideon

March 8, 2025

Danny and family, I am so saddened by your loss. I never met your lovely wife but you were so very lucky to have all those years together.
Your friend,
Joan Marlow Gideon

Pegi Kerber Morse

March 7, 2025

My sincere condolences to the Robinson family. I was fortunate to have had Mrs. Robinson as my teacher her first year at Yosemite Jr. High in 1970. She was amazing with all the kids and made her class fun. She also was very kind and supportive always. Thank you Mrs. Robinson for your kindness and caring for a young girl who needed it more than you know. Rest well Mrs. Robinson

Bob Reyes

March 7, 2025

Danny, I am so sorry to hear about your wife. Please know that I am praying for you and your family. I am forever grateful for you welcoming me to the Fresno Unified family when I first became a principal. That kindness that you showed me is what has always made me think so highly of you. God just welcomed another angel in your wife. May God continue to comfort you and your family. Your friend and colleague, Bob Reyes

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Celebration of Life

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Pardini's

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