Nina Marie Nash-Robertson

This editorial of a wonderful life is just a reflection of the huge impression one person can make when given , and thus utilize, the boundless energy and talents summed up in one lovely, never- ending, ball of celebrative joy.
We, as devotees of the Nina Monahan school of voice projection, enunciation, and clarity of deliverance, most all agree- had she not been involved in our school's music/entertainment programs, doubtful that those touched by her love and understanding, all- including the community, would have missed a rare shooting star that happened to fall in Greendale. Many, many people recall school events, friends, some instructors, and maybe that one special person who nearly singlehandedly, changed(or, continued), the direction of what music meant then; means now, and forever stays with those so incredibly lucky to have had her sweet face tell you to sing louder, act prouder, be involved in something bigger than yourself.
Ms. Nina always did that...even those of us on the fringes of the school society were encouraged to perform to our best abilities. Thank you Ms. Nina- with your guidance, instruction and smiles, we all have prospered when some may have just been forgotten....something that shall never happen with you, or your thoughfulness and the joy that you shared every day.

Nina was such a warm and dear spirit. When I first came to CMU, she and her husband invited me over to watch the Kentucky Derby and have mint juleps. We became fast friends and worked a number of music projects together. I learned so much about working with students from her and about working hard. Rest in Peace Professor.

RIP to a wonderful person and cousin. We will always remember her many visits to Ireland and the get togethers
in her Aunt Phyllis's or a cousins house. She always had smile for us all and we will miss her visits>
John, Jenny and Family, may you be comforted at this very sad time. Love Noel & Marian Wearen

Dear John and Jenny, I was very sad to hear of Nina's death. She was always so vibrant, warm and friendly. My thoughts are with you through this difficult time.

Sincere sympathy to Nina's family at this very sad time. - Cecily Elespe (nee Nash) Dublin

Dear John and Jenny,

I was very sad to hear for the death of my first cousin Nina. We went to the same school in Dublin and I remember her great talents in dancing music and academics. We kept in touch over the years after in Milwakee and London when she was doing her thesis. We also met up and one of her marvellous concerts in London and met Jenny when she was a young girl. You both also stayed in our home in Galway Ireland for a holiday.
We sent you both our sincere condolences and hope to meet up with Reilly and you both in London or the West of Ireland

Dorrie ( callan ) and Peter Tigg







We send our condolence to you and jenny

Dear John and Jenny

It with great sadness that I was told about my cousin Nina's death from my sister Lorraine.

Nina and I went to the same school in Dunlin before she emigrated to Milwaukee with her family. I remember she great achievements in dancing, music and academics. Over the years we kept in touch and met up in Milwaukee, London. Both of you stayed in our west of Ireland home for a holiday.
She will be greatly missed . Please give our condolences to Jenny and your new grandchild Reilly . We would love to meet her someday.

She was the brightest star in the family.

Our sincere condolences

Dorrie (Callan) and Peter Tigg

I am saddened to hear of the loss of Nina Nash-Robertson. I did not have the honor to work with her in a choir setting, but I respected and admired her teaching techniques, and overall love and care for her students and her art form.
As a former music teacher in Chicago, I often look back at the professors that influenced me. Nina-Nash was one of them.
I will surely miss her. She taught us all to be the best we could be.

My deepest condolences to your family for the lost of this great woman. I had the privilege, and I do mean privilege, of learning from Nina at Greendale High School. She instilled a confidence in me that was lacking during the awkward teenage years, and made me believe I could sing. Her vivacious personality, her enthusiasm for life, and her genuine caring of her students was such a special gift to receive from a teacher.
I'm sure she is in heaven conducting the choirs of angels with that same twinkle in her eye that she always had for us! She will be missed.

A message to Nina's family and all who loved her as we did at Greendale High School 1970 - 1974.
Mrs . Monihan , as she was known to us then , was one of those remarkable people who graced a young person's life . She was a teacher who, together with her colleague Ron Koehn , opened a world of
beauty , emotion , and transcendence to all of us lucky to fall under her spell. And her spell of course , was choral music.
Whether in swing choir , chamber choir, concert choir or on tour to England where we sang in both cathedrals and country parishes ,Nina was our standard bearer and we followed her with devotion, gratitude and pride .
So many years have passed since we all sang together at Greendale high school , but I will never forget the raven haired ,blush cheeked faerie named Nina , who filled our days with harmony and our hearts with the melody of the gods .
Rest In peace dear Nina ,
And thank you.
Jane Kaczmarek
G H S 1974

It is with great sadness that I write this note to the family of Nina. I hope you know, that even though I have never had the pleasure of meeting you, you all have been in my prayers. I pray you know how very much you are being thought about. I also hope you are comforted by how much Nina was thought of by every life she touched. My name is Becky Evans-Allen and I was blessed to have "Miss Monahan" as my choir teacher in highschool in 1979-1980. She was much much more than a choir teacher to all of us. She had a true gift of making us believe in ourselves beyond what we thought was possible! She made us look deep in our spirit, to see our gifts, AND to have the confidence to share it! She did all this with that sincere sparkle in her eyes that was always listening, smiling, and trusting. I loved her. To me she was that one teacher that made such a difference in my life....it went beyond playing Catherine in our school musical Pippin, beyond Chamber, Swing and Concert Choir. She touched my life in a lasting way, as I am certain she did for so many. I hope it's somehow a comfort to you to know how much she meant, how she touched our lives that is still with me and will never be forgotten.
Sincerely, Becky Evans

RIP my dear Irish dance teacher from the mid-60s.

Gary Dunn, 1975 alum of Greendale High School captured vividly with his words the music teacher, Nina Nash, known by and loved by many high schoolers in her early professional years. At GHS she directed and inspired concert, chamber, Madrigal, and swing choirs. Being a 1976 alum, one of my fondest memories was of the bicentennial tour our concert choir took singing in the cathedrals of England and France. She broadened our horizons and instilled in us a love of music that lives on to enrich our lives. She was a special person who left an indeliable mark in our lives!

John Jenny and family, I am devastated to hear of Nina's passing. She was my double first cousin and we became very close when I moved to Milwaukee. I was heartbroken to pass the news to our relatives back in Ireland. A true lady and friend, We had good times together, we laughed a lot and weathered the storms when times got tough. I will miss her laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be in touch. With great sympathy, Lorraine.

Every time I had the chance to meet with Nina she always made me feel as if I and my students were the focus of her interest and support. A gracious personality, accomplished musician, conductor, and performer, Nina was a leader among Michigan's choral music family and her inspiration will continue for generations. Thank you to her family and CMU for sharing her with us throughout her outstanding career!

I had the pleasure of having Nina as my teacher through all of High School in Greendale. From freshman boy's choir-where she introduced us to Irish dance at a classmate's request, to my senior year in Concert and Swing Choir and through 3 spring musicals.I can still picture her "bouncing" as she directed us in performances. And how she would close out a note, smile and sort of whisper "Thank You" . Then spin around to the audience to acknowledge the applause and us. It looks like she carried her love of music and dance to many others as well. Thanks for the memories! Peace be with you and your family.
Sincerely, Gary Dunn (GHS class of 1975)

Everyone at Big Boy will miss her dearly. Our prayers go out to her friends and family

Nina was the most loving and positive person I've ever known. She demonstrated love for her students, her colleagues and especially her family. It was an honor and privilege to call her my friend.

Nina I am so sorry for your family losing you. Always a thoughtful professional I met you in both my jobs. I enjoyed driving the charter bus for your musical trips where I could sneak in and listen too. From there I also worked on some of your furniture in my upholstery business. You are a beautiful person inside and out and will be dearly missed. RIP Nina

I auditioned for her 1984 she was wonderful as a incoming freshman. Our son auditioned and sang for her for 4 years and really impacted our lives and very grateful for her inspiration and impact.

There has never been a finer person in my life. Nina was an inspiration personally and professionally and she will be sorely missed. Her legacy lives on in her beautiful daughter and granddaughter.

Nina helped me find my voice when she taught at Greendale High School. I was shy and uncertain but she inspired and encouraged me. I went on to be a lead vocalist in several bands, still singing to this day, and always remembered the techniques she taught us. She was so sweet and just an amazing teacher. - Nancy Martinho

Linda and I are stunned at the lost of such a talent and effusive personality.

Rob and Linda Craig

Nina's tremendous influence on me began in 1983 when I attended CMU as a piano major. I first met her when I sang in her Women's Chorus and then soon became her accompanist for that group. I will always remember how encouraging she was, while still pushing me to be the best I could be. Years later, after becoming a music educator myself, I would run into Nina at music events and she always remembered to say hello and ask me how my teaching was going. She was a kind and caring professor that I will always remember! I am so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful lady. ~ Elizabeth (Wellman) Loyselle, Breckenridge, Michigan

John- Barb and I are so shocked and deeply saddened at your loss of Nina, so suddenly. We will always cherish her life, her smile, her love for people and her beautiful vitality. May you be comforted in the times ahead knowing her contributions were so many and so great. Fondly, Barb and George Dunn

I had the honor of singing for Dr Nash-Robertson when she conducted the community choir for the 10th anniversary of 911. It was an amazing experience for all of us. It was truly as emotional as it was musical. I am so sorry for your loss.