Auleen Merrill Robinson

Auleen J. Robinson (nee Merrill) died unexpectedly on August 4, 2025. The family is deeply saddened by her sudden death.

Auleen is survived and missed by her children, Allen (Louise) Lock of Krum, TX; Brian Lock, of Silver Creek, NY; and Craig Lock (Laura Valerius) of Denton, TX; and beloved stepsons, William "Bill" Robinson and Dale Robinson. She will be forever cherished and remembered by her grandchildren: Kristina (Todd) Ehnert; Douglas Donovan; Katherine, Karolyn, Steven, Elizabeth, and Andrew Lock; Matthew (Frank Swarthout) and Adam Robinson ("Jackie" Dombrowski); Jennifer Beatty; and great-grandchildren, Warren, Wesley, and Margaret Ehnert, and Erick Cordon. Her memory lives on with her dear nieces: Dorothy Potter, Alice Williams, Rianna Moore, Karen Logan, Beth Benchley, Linda Dieteman, Nancy Barlette, Germaine Merrill, Cindy Merrill; nephews, Leon H. Merrill, Tom Merrill, Jenness J. Merrill, John Merrill, Cornelius Benchley, and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Auleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Robinson; her parents, Jenness N. and Lola (nee Mau) Merrill; her siblings, Jenness M. (Helen), Laura Mae (Frederick), Manley "John" (Nellie), Leon V. (Angeline), and Eleanor (Ellis); and niece, Janet Seminatore.

Auleen was born February 7, 1935 in Dunkirk, NY and grew up in Pomfret, NY. She graduated from Bryant & Stratton Business College, Buffalo, NY. She lived in both Fredonia and Silver Creek, NY, where she raised her family and was an active member of her community, which included serving as Grand Matron for the Forestville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, organizing the annual golf tournament for the American Heart Association, and coordinating the concession stand for Little League. Always a hard worker, Auleen worked various jobs to support herself and her family. Her work ranged from waitressing and working in a cookie factory, to clerking in a jewelry store and a drug store. After many years, Auleen retired as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Nursing at Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk. In 1999, she married the love of her life, Lewis Robinson. Together, they enjoyed retirement, splitting their time between Western New York, Florida, and cruise ships. They lived happily for 11 years before Lewis' passing. She spent her last decade in Denton, TX, closely surrounded by her children and several grandchildren, and dogs. Auleen derived great joy from spending time with family and friends, generating wonderful memories for all. She took a loving role in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, staying close and cheering every success and consoling the occasional misstep. She had a great love of music and the arts, and enjoyed attending her book club and theater events, and visiting with others.

Auleen was a voracious reader and loved to dive into all types of books and discuss them with others; she also loved to learn new things, focusing on documentaries and biographies. She was deeply invested in the lives of those she loved and wanted nothing but the best for each, often counseling inclusion and empathy. She enjoyed traveling; her favorite trip was to Alaska. She loved sharing her knowledge and, although a self-proclaimed disaster in the kitchen, her homemade applesauce and banana cream pie were renowned. Auleen seized every opportunity to embrace the humorous side of life and inevitably garnered a laugh in every conversation.

Auleen was never shied away from new experiences, approaching them with intrigue and authenticity. She modeled strong values and believed in accepting others. Auleen's incredible patience and willingness to help others contributed to her enduring legacy, reminding us that we control our attitudes and should endeavor to leave the world a better place.

We are blessed to have known Auleen. Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to all who filled her days with fun and love.

A funeral was held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at FUMC Denton. Pallbearers were Elizabeth and Andrew Lock with honorary pallbearer, Steve Latham. Internment will be held in Western New York at a later date.

The family requests that In lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Denton, 201 S. Locust St., Denton, TX 76201 https://fumcdenton.com/give or a charity of your choice