Mildred Robbie (Nee Hamata)

May 18, 1928 ~ November 4, 2022

With profound sadness, we announce that our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mildred Robbie, passed peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 94. She will lovingly be remembered by her children Denis (Judy), Carolyn (Doug), Jon, Lorne (Karen), and Autumn (Randy), her grandchildren Kate (Matt) and Jeff, her great grandchildren Van and Henry, and her dear friends Ellie and Paul Rapinchuk. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Stanley (Bob) Robbie, sister Mary Vorauer and brothers Joe and Frank Hamata.

Born in Winnipeg, Mildred grew up in the north end and was a graduate of St. John’s High School. Her first job was a movie usher.  Later, she worked for the Canadian Wheat Board and then as a bank teller. She married Stanley (Bob) Robbie in 1950. Mildred lived briefly in Ottawa while Bob studied medicine. When she was expecting their second child, she kept her pregnancy a secret from her employer so that she could continue to work. Once her husband graduated, they moved to Wichita, Kansas for his unpaid internship. Mildred supported the family by working in a pawn shop. At 60, she was surprised when she received a US pension.  In 1959, they settled in Beausejour, purchasing the house in which Mildred remained until her death.

In 1960, they bought their cottage on Dorothy Lake where lasting memories were made. Every summer, Mildred and her five children would live the lake life while Bob remained at home. When Bob passed in 1979, Mildred continued to  enjoy the cottage, and did so for almost 60 years.

Mildred was a member of the Women’s Institute and the Catholic Women’s League. She spent many years as a 4-H Leader. She was one of the first Handi-Van Coordinators and also was on the Library Board.

Mildred was an intrepid traveller. Her favourite travel partners were her dear friends, Ellie and Paul Rapinchuk, who always included Mildred for a quick or long trip across the line. When her daughter-in-law was travelling alone by car from Mississauga to Alberta, Mildred, on a moment’s notice hopped in the car to accompany her west.

Mildred’s creativity was diverse. She kept her yard beautiful and at Christmas, her light display won awards. She was a talented seamstress and sewed the bridesmaid gowns for her children’s weddings. She created wonderful keepsake fur bears.  Mildred loved to bake. The desire to try new and cherished recipes was lifelong. Last year, she made Hoska, her traditional Czech Christmas bread for her family.

Mildred had a soft heart. She never let a stray cat go hungry and shared table scraps with the cottage wildlife. She was a life long pet owner and always brought them to the cottage. The last of her cats brought her comfort and joy.

After the loss of her husband in her early 50’s,  Mildred forged ahead, determined to stay in her beloved house and cottage and she made it happen. She was truly self-reliant throughout her widowhood with an incredible financial savvy.  She took on whatever challenges arose. She would go on to get her Real Estate Licence when she was in her 50’s.

With all her strength and determination, her grace, quiet humour, beauty, style and kindness was ever present. She always made people feel good about themselves. And to many, Mildred always will be respectively remembered as Mrs. Robbie.

The family would like to thank the staff at Beausejour Hospital for their kind care of our mother in her final days and throughout the last few years. Their commitment to her made it easier knowing she was well looked after.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Beausejour Hospital.

Private funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Sobering Funeral Chapel in Beausejour and interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens in West St. Paul.

“Today we love you more than yesterday, tomorrow we will love you less.”

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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