Robyn Lee Newkumet

Beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and teacher to many, Robyn Newkumet left her mark wherever she went, whomever she touched, whatever she did. Robyn and her husband, Pablo Echeverria, shared a deep love of culture, travel, social justice, animal rights, and nature. She lived life to the fullest and never said no to any opportunity or adventure, whether it be in her hometown of Narberth, or in France, or New Guinea, or Togo, among others. Her travels took her to faraway places in foreign lands but her heart always remained in the home country. This combination made her the perfect bridge between cultures. Her professional life was defined by her unwavering commitment to education. As a dedicated, creative and visionary teacher of French and Foreign Language department Head at Lower Merion High School, and as Field Placement Coordinator and Adviser in Bryn Mawr College's Education & Secondary Teacher Certification Program, she shared her understanding of language learning with colleagues and students in both institutions and was instrumental in the education of future teachers in her field. At one point in her life, she also served in a position of responsibility at the Department of Education of the state of Pennsylvania. But Robyn's engagement with teaching was not limited to official programs: it extended well beyond the classroom and, with her husband Pablo, into their personal life as mentors of promising young students, encouraging and helping them develop their potential and reach their goals. Robyn herself was a life-long learner, in and out of formal education programs, with a deep and abiding appreciation for literature and the arts. She obtained various advanced degrees in prestigious centers of higher learning, including two Masters and a Doctorate: at the University of Pennsylvania, Middlebury College, and the University of Paris. Beyond this, in her later years, she proudly assisted American poet Darla Himeles in translating the work of French poet Chantal Dupuy-Dunier. Whether visiting art museums, listening to Leonard Cohen, reading poetry and French novels, or keeping a thoughtful journal about the films she watched, Robyn was profoundly attuned to beauty, culture, and meaning in both grand and subtle ways. We will always remember her laugh and sense of humor, her loyalty to her people, whether family or friends. She was the greatest of storytellers and the most gracious and generous of hosts. She made everyone who came in contact with her feel appreciated and loved. Robyn is survived by her loving husband and life partner, Pablo Echeverría, and her brother, Kenneth Newkumet. Robyn, the legend, has sadly left the building She will be sorely missed. Arrangements entrusted to Raffeo-DiCecco Memorial Home. (610) 630-3259