Ann Augustine Robinson

October 20, 1930 - November 8, 2015

Ann was born to Bea and Anthony Augustine in Pasadena. Her beloved mother was an exceptionally talented coloratura soprano who sang on the radio in Los Angeles, then had a long career as a teacher of piano, organ and voice, which instilled in Ann a lifelong appreciation for music. She was introduced to the love of her life, Paul Robinson, when she was just 13. Paul sold his antique automobile to buy her engagement ring, and the childhood sweethearts were wed in 1950 (while Paul was at the University of Southern California), and so began their 65-year marriage.

Ann used her secretarial skills and great attention to detail at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and Smith, Kline & French Pharmaceuticals while supporting Paul's pursuit of a medical degree from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and his internship at Philadelphia General Hospital. During this time, Ann and Paul enjoyed traveling into New York City to watch many of the classics in musical theater. When Paul was stationed as a captain at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Ann was overjoyed to begin their family with the birth of their two sons, Lee and Tom, just 14 months apart. After the family moved to Oregon for Paul's residency in ophthalmology, their family was completed with their daughter, Kimberly, born six years after Tom.

Their purchase of a 40-acre farm allowed them all to delve into the pleasures of farm life with 4-H and a huge menagerie of animals, including a flock of sheep, exotic pets (raccoon and skunk) and her precious Calico cat of 16 years. Ann reveled in her role as a loving and supportive mother, helping her children thrive and succeed and learn the core values of life; Ann was the foundation for their family.

During her 20 years in the Cedar Hills Garden Club, she held the position of president and won many awards for her flower arrangements while enjoying her friendships. Ann supported Paul's transition from a sole practitioner to a founding partner of the Oregon Medical Eye Clinic, and she remained close to her mother, visiting her often in Southern California. The couple was able to indulge their passion for travel, including a family trip to Europe, also England, Scotland, Germany, her favorite one to Africa to see exotic animals, and to Alaska where she delighted in seeing the grizzly bears in their native habitat. Their last major trip was to Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 2009 to visit one of their six grandchildren who was studying abroad.

Ann is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul, in Wilsonville; children, Lee of Sisters, Tom of Billings, Montana, and Kimberly of Sammamish, Washington; and six grandchildren. The most loving and beloved wife and mother anyone could ever hope for will be sorely missed but remembered with love by her entire family.

The Oregonian, 2015