Elizabeth Robinson

Elizabeth "Betty" Robinson, of Massena, at the age of 95, passed from her earthly life surrounded by her family and was reunited with her husband many family members and friends on October 20, 2025. She was born in Massena on March 6, 1930, to Pasquale (Patsy)and Carolina Barber (Marando), the first member of her family to be born in the United States of Italian immigrants.
Betty graduated from Massena High School in 1948 and the Central City Business Institute in Syracuse in 1951. She enjoyed playing badminton and was a member of the Massena Badminton Club traveling around the north country and Canada to play. She was employed in the personnel department at ALCOA where she met Albert "Robby" Robinson, the love of her life. They were married on July 7, 1959, for 61 years and raised four children. He predeceased her on January 28, 2021. Betty and Robby built their family camp in 1960 at Frasers Point, Canada and it was the setting for many family gatherings and celebrations. She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Massena and served on many church activities and committees including the Festival of Foods, the bereavement committee, Antioch advisor, and the Alter Rosary Society and The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. She was an avid gardener with a natural green thumb; she owned and operated Robinson's Greenhouse for many years.
Above all, her legacy is left behind in her children and grandchildren, whom she devoted her life to. There was never a time that she intentionally missed any of her grandchildren's events or activities, even if it meant traveling far from home. With her unconditional love, and strong family values she led us as the matriarch of our family. Her wisdom, guidance, and support through the good and bad times in all our lives will never be forgotten and deeply missed by us all.
Betty is survived by her children, three daughters and one son, Mariann and H. John Witkop of Massena, Carolyn and Giovanni Jermano of Massena, Diane and John Acton of Massena, and Patrick and Lori Robinson of Morrisonville; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Nathan and Erika Witkop and their daughters Aurora and Tala of Sedona, AZ, B. Robbie and Ana Maria Witkop and their daughters Lili, Maria and Georgi, of Watertown, MA, Zachary and Megan Witkop of Plattsburgh, Jacob and Becky Witkop of Salcha, AK, Bettina and Mia Jermano(Patrick Mogenhan) of Seattle, WA, Nathaniel and Mihalia Spadafore and their daughter Sandy of Atlanta, GA, Leah and Mitchell (Wiseh) LaFrance and their son Logan of Ballston Spa, Samuel and Sadie Robinson(Dylan Perkins) of Morrisonville. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert "Peanut" and Joyce Robinson of Malone, and many nieces and nephews.
She is also predeceased by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Dominick and Alice Barber, and her sister and brother in-law, Frances and Carl Pence, and her son-in-law, Sandy Spadafore.
The family will greet guests at St. Mary's Church at 9 am with a funeral mass at 10 am on Friday, October 24, 2025. The burial will be in Calvary Cemetery after the service.
Donations in Betty's memory can be made to St. Mary's Church Memorial Fund.
The family wishes to thank all the caregivers over the last four years who provided such excellent care to our mother. You became our extended family and your kindness, compassion and friendship will never be forgotten.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.