Sara L. Robinson

Sara L. Robinson

Leverett, MA - Sara LaClaire Robinson, 80, also known as "Gaga" to her grandchildren, went home to be with the Lord on October 3, 2025. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at her home in North Leverett, MA. Sara was born on March 27, 1945, in Greenfield, MA, to Clifford H. and Clarissa Truesdell LaClaire. In July 2024, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Over the past fifteen months, she was an inspiration to all as she traveled the debilitating ALS journey-invariably cheering up those who came to bring her cheer. She maintained her wonderful, caring spirit along with her deep faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Growing up in Leverett, MA, Sara was in the very first sixth grade class ever to graduate from the newly consolidated Leverett Elementary School; she then graduated from Amherst High School in 1963. She went on to attend University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she received her Bachelor's in psychology as well as a Master's and Doctoral degrees in Education.

While attending UMass, Sara met Donald Robinson, and they married on September 3, 1966. This year they celebrated together their 59th anniversary. After marrying, they lived in first in Nahant, MA, then in Shelbyville, IN, Owensboro, KY and Topsfield, MA, ultimately returning to Massachusetts and Leverett in 1975. Sara was devoted to her God, her family, her country and, throughout her life, to the education of children. She was a master teacher and enriched the lives of her students at the Bement School in Deerfield, where she also served as Head of the Lower School, from 1980-94. While at Bement, she decided that her true calling was to teach young children with different learning styles, ages 9-15. And thus, was born the Robin Crest Learner Center (RCLC), based in Leverett, MA. Sara designed her own schoolhouse on land that her mother-a former schoolteacher herself-had donated to the cause. RCLC ran for fourteen years until Sara retired to help her mom in the last years of her life.

Sara frequently cited Jude 1:21: "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life." She loved the Lord and was very involved in church life. To the children at North Leverett Baptist Church, she was affectionately known as "Grammy Sara"; she taught Sunday school there and strengthened their Missions Outreach programs. When residing in winters at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl, she also enjoyed attending Christ Church.

Sara always thought of others, never herself, and she would feel embarrassed if someone addressed her as Dr. Robinson. In addition to her love of teaching, she was devoted to the preservation of Leverett's history. With this goal, she became a member of the Leverett Historical Commission, President of the Leverett Historical Society, founding member of the Friends of North Leverett Sawmill, member of Ad hoc Committee for the Leverett Family Museum, and member of the Leverett 250th Anniversary Committee, not to mention her service as a Girl Scout troop leader and Library volunteer. She was committed to the rehabilitation of the 1810 Moore's Corner one-room schoolhouse, where her mother, back in 1938, taught all eight grades. In celebration of the Town's 250th anniversary, Sara led an effort to showcase the Town's stone walls and have flower bulbs planted at every intersection. This past April, she was honored to have Leverett's 2025 Annual Report dedicated to her and to the 250th Anniversary Committee.

Above all, Sara cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Donald and by her three children: Gayle Boudreau (Dan Zappini), Paul Robinson, Tina Brletich (Matthew); her cherished grandchildren, Brooks Robinson, Malia Boudreau, Brien Boudreau, Aidan Boudreau, Vinnie Zappini, Nathaniel Brletich, and Madison Brletich; her loving siblings Joyce Carey, Marcia Sims, and Leighton LaClaire; and several nieces and nephews. Sara was predeceased by her parents and brother Merrill LaClaire.

Calling hours will be held October 10th from 4-6 PM at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street. Greenfield MA. Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM Saturday October 11th at the North Leverett Baptist Church, 70 N Leverett Road, Leverett, MA., followed by interment in Plainview Cemetery Leverett, MA.

As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the following: North Leverett Baptist Church, 70 N. Leverett Rd. Leverett, MA. designated for "Sara's Lift," to install an elevator for accessibility; the Leverett Historical Society P.O. Box 57, Leverett, MA 01054, for rehabilitation of the 1810 Moore's Corner Schoolhouse; and Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, for ALS patient support.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com