Sandra J. Robinson

Sandra J. (Merrill) Robinson passed away peacefully on September 18th with her family by her side.
Sandy was born to Donald and Carol Merrill of Waverly on January 10, 1953. She graduated from Waverly High School in 1971 where she met her husband of 52 years, Andrew Robinson.
Sandy attended the University of Buffalo and graduated with a degree in occupational therapy and subsequently became a certified hand therapist. She went on to establish and direct the Hand Management Center at St. Joseph's Hospital in Elmira NY, restoring function to the hands of thousands of patients over three decades of practice. She mentored and educated a generation of hand therapists, lectured nationally and internationally, and was a published author with her most recent contribution in 2023.
In 1981, Sandy and Andy brought their first daughter into the world, Tracy, followed by Kelly in 1983. Through her dedication and love, she gave her girls the best childhood anyone could hope for and the guidance and support they needed as they became mothers themselves.
Sandy was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. Her happiest moments were spent playing, loving, teaching, and watching them grow.
Sandy had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world. Her favorite places were in her gardens tending to her flowers, and watching the waves or enjoying the sunsets on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario with her family and friends.
Sandy was predeceased by her father Donald Merrill, Sr.
She is survived by her devoted husband Andrew Robinson; her mother Carol Merrill; daughter Tracy (Carey) Dozier; daughter Kelly (Tony) Medio; beloved grandchildren Miles Dozier, Simon Dozier, Emilia Medio, and Nolan Medio; Siblings Susan (John) Pacanowski, Patricia (Richard) Brunk, Donald Merrill Jr., and Laureen (Carmine Sesa) Merrill; and her many friends.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday October 18th, 2025 at the Waverly Historical Society Museum from 3-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory can be made to Pluta Cancer Foundation https://plutacancerfoundation.org/ or the B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge - Rochester, NY https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/pages/1217 who took compassionate care of her throughout her cancer journey.