Robin Malatinsky

This world lost one of the best on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 with the passing of Robin Malatinsky. She was a fiercely independent and loving woman who was full of courage, and she navigated every single day with the goal to do the best that she could do with the time and energy she was granted. The grief created by the sudden and unexpected loss felt by her family, friends, loved ones, and community members can be reduced ever so slightly by the incredible memories of the time spent with her and knowing that she has won the ultimate fight.

Robin was born on April 17, 1954 to Bob and Jan Hoadley in Battle Creek, Michigan. Her family grew with the addition of her brother, Robert, and she spent her childhood throughout different parts of the state of Michigan as her family moved at the direction of Bob's career. The Hoadley family settled in Holt as Robin reached high school and it was here where she would eventually meet and marry her husband, John Malatinsky, and raise their three children, Ross, Annie, and Cole.

Robin graduated from Holt High School and moved on to study education at Michigan State University. She was a teacher in the Lansing area for many years before deciding to stay home to raise Ross and the twins. Robin never actually stopped teaching. Every day was a new lesson whether the subject was reading and math or she was helping you land on the right piano key by humming along, waiting patiently for you to tie your shoes, or splashing around in the pool until you were confident enough to take off the life jacket and push away from the edge. She embodied the lifestyle of recycling and repurposing long before it was mainstream. It felt like every object was used 10 different ways before it eventually wore out or all options were exhausted and it found its way to the trash. Her commitment to education was felt outside the Malatinsky home as she volunteered and served as a substitute teacher frequently within the Holt school system even after the kids had graduated.

Robin was the parent that everyone should dream to have or strive to become. She was selfless to the core and so kind. She made sure her own kids and all of their friends that walked through the door felt seen, loved, and had exactly what they needed whether that was some lunch, a hug, a peanut butter cookie, or a quick chat.

But let's be honest - there were no chats that were quick with Robin. The details she included in her stories were as intricate as the beading and weaving and other crafty items that she mastered in her free time. And she knew that she was long-winded. Those who knew her best had the secret code word to cut her off. And for everyone else - you could see the joy in Robin's eyes as they started to squirm wondering if the story would ever actually end. If you were new to the group - you were welcomed by what was affectionately referred to as being "Robin'd" which always ended in a grin, and a hug or fist bump.

With a laugh that could fill a room and a smile that could light the darkest of days, Robin will be remembered for her patience, determination, and love each day, but especially those days that were the hardest for her. She enjoyed being where she could hear the waves crashing or feel the sun on her face. Robin was born with two green thumbs (and probably a couple of green toes) and was so proud of the gardens she maintained at her home and out at MSU. She approached each challenging plant the same way that she did life - by considering a new plan, talking or singing through the steps to execute, and leading with an attitude filled with good vibes.

Robin was the biggest fan for her husband, kids, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in all of their life adventures. There will be a void at the concert venues and the sports facilities and fields; an open seat at the farmer's market and where the crafting group is meeting; and an empty plate at the dining room table. She will never be forgotten because those who loved her the most will continue to tell her stories and find ways to laugh and be kind and move every single day.

The family is inviting those who knew and loved Robin to come together in her honor on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Department of Radiology building on the campus of MSU from 1 PM - 3 PM. We will be offering the opportunity to share stories with some light refreshments in the atrium and auditorium. The gardens will also be open for people to enjoy at their leisure. Please come dressed for comfort in what makes you feel your best.

In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to plant flowers at your own home that can be a daily reminder of the love and light that was Robin. The family will be collecting funds to purchase a bench and tree to be dedicated and placed on the campus of Holt High School. More details will be forthcoming.

May each person be blessed with what they need to follow Robin's mantra - do your best; give yourself some grace; follow your heart; live your life.