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Lee Robinson

Image by Nick Andréka

LEOLA “LEE” ROBINSON

(née ROE)

October 21, 1943 – February 29, 2024

Affectionately our Lee Lee, Miss Lee, or Mom (and rarely her given name Leola), was a healthy and energetic woman up until almost the very end. It was only in the last few weeks of her life that she started to feel unwell. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away eight short days later. 

 

Lee’s final days were spent at the Grace Hospital with her daughters Susan (Robinson) and Carol (Steuri) by her side. She also leaves behind her adored grandchildren Abby, Emily, and Liam Aikman (Susan), Aiden and Avery Steuri (Carol), sons-in-law Neil Aikman and Beni Steuri, sister-in-law Pat Roe, niece Jen Roe (Brian Larson), and their daughters Kennedy and Peyton. Lee was so proud of her family.


While she lived 80 full years, she left us far too early and far too suddenly!  She radiated youth, moved with grace, and could keep pace playing soccer or mini sticks with her grandkids or chasing after the family dachshunds.


Lee grew up in Winnipeg’s Fort Rouge neighbourhood, daughter of Mima and Wilson Roe. Lee had a charmed childhood, shared with her younger brother Robert (Bob) who she loved dearly. As a girl, Lee’s passion was figure skating. She spent many early mornings at the Winnipeg Winter Club, earned a gold medal from the Canadian Figure Skating Association, and moved to Bemidji, Minnesota for a year to coach.


She went to nursing school at the University of Manitoba where she graduated in the class of 1965. Nursing was not just a vocation, it was a passion for Lee, and nursing school is where she met some of her dearest friends.


Lee completed her education at McGill University where she earned a Master of Science (Applied). After Montreal, Lee moved to Boston with her then husband James (Jim) Robinson. This is where Lee began her career at Massachusetts General. She returned to Canada and started working at the Firestone Regional Chest and Allergy Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, a highlight in her career. They started their family on Green Meadow Drive in Burlington, Ontario, always with a yard filled with children, neighbours, and laughter.


In 1989, Lee and her daughters moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to her mother. She completed her nursing career at the Health Sciences Centre, making a difference in the lives of her Rehab patients. 


In her final decades of life, Lee continued to work selling RESPs where she helped young families prepare their children for the best possible start in life. The friendships that Lee formed during this time were deep and special. Her coffee group became her second family. One special member of that group, Marianna Raimo, was like a sister to her.


Lee never missed a special moment in the lives of her daughters, and became “mom” to their friends. Lee was also a very important presence in the lives of her grandchildren, attending their soccer and hockey games, and fostering their many passions, including skiing and piano. She was an avid Bombers fan and enjoyed going to games and cheering on the team. Lee took many wonderful trips with her daughters’ families, including visiting the Steuris in the Swiss Alps, where Carol lived for many years.


Lee was a bright light - so vibrant and vivacious, positive and caring. She had a way of leaving her mark on all those who crossed her path. She will be missed dearly.

 

In respect of Lee’s final wishes, a funeral service will not be held. Instead an intimate celebration of her life for her family and those closest to her will take place. If you wish to honour Lee’s memory and incredible life, please consider making a donation to Harvest Manitoba or the Winnipeg Humane Society in her name. 


Lee's family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Lorena (Williams) Pelly

May 10, 2024 at 8:35 AM

True friends never really part! They may take different paths over their years and loose contact for some time but something deep inside brings them back together in one form or another. Leola and I grew up in the same neighbourhood, shared many of the same friends, knew each other's mind and each other's family. Despite losing touch for a number of decades in our busy respective lives, we reconnected 5 years ago on my trip from Vancouver back to Winnipeg for my 1964 grad nursing reunion. 


Leola, (I never called her Lee), & I fell into a giant hug at her door, instantly reconnected and never stopped talking,laughing and occasionally crying for 3 days, until my return flight to Vancouver.  What a wonderful memory and so glad that we reconnected ! 


Always "Leola" to me, she was a very special person in my life. Our friendship withstood an unplanned separation of many years and survived the test of time. I feel we were both blessed.


This wonderful mother, friend and animal lover will always be remembered by me with love and gratitude.

Joe and Stephanie

May 9, 2024 at 3:55 PM

My heartfelt condolences to your families. Lee Lee was such a beautiful person who exuded youth, energy, vitality and most importantly, love. She will be missed by so many but will remain near and dear to our hearts.

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 3:52 PM

Mrs. Robinson, my next door mom for some very important years of my life will be very much missed. She kept in touch and often chimed in on posts on my FB wall!  I am shocked and saddened to hear she has passed away. Much love xox.

Karly

May 9, 2024 at 3:35 PM

Susan and Carol, 


So sorry to hear of your mom's passing.  I have great memories of summers in Burlington with Lee in charge.  I am so glad we got to see her in Edmonton in November.  My condolences to your family.

Terry and Donna

May 9, 2024 at 3:26 PM

I have had the pleasure of doing work for Lee for over 30 years.  She was fun to be with and very kind. I think of her fondly and Donna and I will miss her.  My sincerest condolences to family and friends.

Jim Flynn

May 9, 2024 at 3:26 PM

My sincerest sympathies. Some of my fondest memories growing up were spending time with Lee, her brother Bob and their Mom and Dad. Although we only talked periodically in recent years I so enjoyed our conversations and getting caught up on each other's lives. I will miss knowing she's no longer only a phone call away.

Jim Ferguson

May 9, 2024 at 3:20 PM

I met Lee for the first time almost 60 years ago.  She was one of the nicest people that I have ever known.  To say that she will be missed would be an understatement.

Thank you for your kindness, Lee

Trish Bergal

May 9, 2024 at 3:19 PM

My deepest sympathies. I met Lee when I assumed a role on the 6th floor of the Rehab hospital. That welcoming smile was unforgettable and exuded kindness and interest and joy. May peace be with you all

Carol xo

May 9, 2024 at 3:19 PM

Thank you to all and for the kind heart warming comments. My mom is feeling the love ❤️ as are we.

Jola Olofinboba

May 9, 2024 at 2:49 PM

Lee was a dear friend, starting in 1971 at McGill, until her recent passing. She was caring, loving, and always a joy to be with. I am comforted by the knowledge that she lived a productive life, worthy of emulation and she leaves a lasting legacy now carried on by her children and grandchildren. I miss her and will carry sweet memories of her love forever.

Sue Allardyce

May 9, 2024 at 2:49 PM

Dear Miss Lee


You have always been our coffee group’s bright light with kindness, compassion and friendship for all. 

I admire your care and concern  for all in the coffee group, your family and friends and our city and province. 

I will miss you and think of you always. You have left an indelible impression on all of us..

Jen McCulloch

May 9, 2024 at 2:48 PM

Dear Lee, I’m absolutely heartbroken to say goodbye far too soon!  I will miss you immensely but I’m so grateful for our friendship.  Your positivity, brilliant sense of humour and kindness was a joy to be around.  You also had a passion for learning and contributing to your community that was truly inspiring.  I will miss our visits and laughs dearly but will hold tight to all the wonderful memories I was lucky enough to share with you.

Madeline

May 9, 2024 at 2:12 PM

Lee

I am so grateful for the time we spent together in November.

No matter how long it had been since our last visit, it seemed we could pick up seamlessly.

You were always interesting, always looking for more answers to life’s big questions, always so positive and always so kind.

You will be missed.

Rest in peace my dear, dear friend!

Sharon Garnett (Wilson)

May 9, 2024 at 2:06 PM

Lee was a wonderful friend to many.  Her vivacious, generous nature made her so much fun to be around.  After graduating from training at Winnipeg General, her family, Mima, Wilson, Bob and Lee welcomed me into their home for a year while Lee and I attended U of M.  An entire caring family!  Later on, although we lived in different parts of the country  and Lee pursued further education, our friendship endured.  I miss you Lee.  What a legacy you have left in your lovely daughters and grandchildren

Liz

May 9, 2024 at 2:06 PM

I feel so privileged and grateful for the good fortune of having met Lee and been in the presence of her beautiful inner light.  She was truly a warm, generous, and caring human being.  Our neighbour hood shall never be the same.  I will miss seeing you and sweet little Meggie padding across the grass towards my building.  Farewell Lee.

Cathy (Young) Underwood

May 9, 2024 at 2:04 PM

Leola (Lee) & I go back many years ago when we went to Churchill High together. We both lived on Churchill Drive as well.

Friends back then as well as keeping in touch until her passing last week.

I will miss her @our nursing get togethers when we all looked

The same as we did 60+ years ago😉.

Thank you for being my friend this passed 60+ years, Lee😍

Lise D’Andrea

May 9, 2024 at 2:04 PM

My deepest condolences to Lee’s daughters and their families. I met Lee through Marianna about 15 years ago and often saw her on my monthly work trips to Winnipeg. It was always a joy to be around Lee - her positive energy, intelligence, great sense of humour, deep love for her family, zest for life and her kindness. I will always cherish the week I spent with her last fall. Lee - thank you for gracing me with your friendship . You left us too soon.

JeanO

May 9, 2024 at 2:04 PM

I can't believe someone as full of life as our Lee is gone. The place lit up when she walked into the room, with her energy and smile. Over the years, I've enjoyed Lee's friendship with our "Lunch Bunch"--she encouraged us to choose patios to be Covid smart--and as part of our "Wine-making Group", where Lee made the rule that no wine was to be imbibed until after the wine was made, since we might forget to add the yeast! Such an enthusiastic, intelligent, witty, warm, classy lady--who loved her family above all else! And still had a huge place in her heart for her friends and her wee dog...

Jim

May 9, 2024 at 2:04 PM

Dear Lee. It was a great honor to know you. An inspiration on how to live life with grace, positivity and kindness. I'll miss watching your beloved Bombers with you, learning all about which players were local lads and making lots of noise at the games. You left our lives far too early and oh so suddenly. Forever fondly remembered

Marg K

May 9, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Lee you were so special.  A true Bomber fan, let no one put down your Bombers.  Happy memories of many games attended with you.  I so admired your positive attitude, nothing ever got you down, and your sense of style was amazing, boy was I envious.  But mostly I remember the laughs, the suppers out, and you always being there with just the right words.  You will be so missed

Kim.

May 9, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Susan- our deepest sympathies- this happened far too soon and too quick. The Horne family has many fond memories of our times with Lee. From school events and choir festivals to so many times on the sidelines for all the ⚽️ soccer!  Always a good laugh and energy& enthusiasm for everything  we will really miss you Lee. And our hearts are with your family.

Sharon and Dave

May 9, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Dear Miss Lee, you left us before we were ready to say goodbye!  Thank you for the sweet memories, the walks and talks and all your contributions to our enjoyment of  life. You remain in our hearts always!  

Jennifer Wray

May 9, 2024 at 2:02 PM

.Dear Lee

When I think of you I remember a warm smile, an easy, musical laugh and a great sense of style. How lucky the Wray family was to have the Robinson family next door to us in Burlington, Ontario for so many years. Please know that you are in our hearts and you always will be. Don and I send our deepest condolences to Susan and Carol and their families.

Ian and Vicki Dutton

May 9, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Greatest sympathies to Susan, Carol and their families. It is hard to believe that so bright a spark has been extinguished. In the decades of knowing Lee, we have never known her to be anything but upbeat and positive, always ready to step in and step up to do what was needed. In a world of “who cares” you always knew thar Lee did, and that you could count on her. This is a woman who will be missed..

Valerie Babisky

May 9, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Dear Susan, Carol and Robinson family

So many of us from Lee Lee’s nursing class will miss her. I got closer to her during Covid and Lee was “chewing at the bit” to be set free. I was amazed of her energy and her spirit these last few years.

So sorry for your loss and I hope your memories of her fills your heart.

Lynda Ruban

May 9, 2024 at 2:01 PM

Dear Susan, Neil & the Robinson family. Extending my heartfelt & deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of your dear mother.  Thank you for this wonderful tribute.  It's evident that she touched alot of lives along the way with her deep compassion for the people & communities in which she served! Please know that my thoughts are with you at this very sad & difficult time.  So very sorry for the loss of this dear soul!

Lilian and John Tankard

May 9, 2024 at 2:01 PM

My Dear Miss Lee, John and I are truly going to miss you.  Thank you for embracing us in your life! Thank you for the kindness and caring that you shared with all you met. You loved to laugh and at times even at yourself. We will fondly remember you and we promise to share some Leeisms with your children and grandchildren.

Sharon Rubel. Mgr,Donor Relations WHS

May 9, 2024 at 2:01 PM

From your 2 AND 4 legged friends at the Winnipeg Humane Society-  we are truly sorry for your loss and  tails are wagging here today  to honor and remember Lee.  How kind of her to think of our animals.  We are very humbled. She was truly a  person for others,

John and Judy Lawrence

May 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM

We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Lee's family and close friends.  Lee was our neighbour in the condo where she lived.  She always had time to stop and chat and always asked how we were.  We frequently had conversations with her in the parkade as she was on her way out to walk the dog or when she was coming in.  She was kind, cheerful and always positive.  John will miss her hugs at Christmas and New Years.

Bruce Wedderburn & Jeffrey Schnoor

May 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM

Oh Miss Lee, we are going to miss you so very much, everyday.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life…your kindness, your enthusiasm, your positive attitude and your love.

We can’t believe you are gone, but you are in our hearts, with so many wonderful memories.

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