Nancy Jean Robinson, 74, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025 in Vero Beach, Florida. She bravely fought a lengthy battle, having survived Ovarian Cancer years ago, but ultimately passed as a result of chronic health issues along with medical complications.

Nancy came into this world on August 18, 1950, in Rutland, Vermont. She lived the bulk of her life in Vermont, spending her early childhood in Waterbury before moving to Rutland for grade school. She was a member of the class of 1968 from Otter Valley High School. She pursued a Business Education degree from Castleton University and a Master’s in Curriculum Studies from the College of St Joseph becoming the first member of her family to earn a degree in higher education.

She soon met and married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Robinson II, who she married on May 17, 1980. They split their time between Brandon, Vermont and Vero Beach, Florida, where Nancy eventually moved full-time after Dick’s passing in 2014. She surrounded herself with incredible and supportive friends in both places, many of whom were with her until the very end.

Nancy had a deeply instilled passion for both teaching and helping others, which drove her desire to return to her alma mater and start teaching business administration. She was a hard worker, a quality instilled in her by her mother, Norma Osborne, and worked her way up to be assistant and eventually co-principal, all at Otter Valley. This demonstrated her commitment to the school and kids she cared for so deeply. Nancy never missed a football game or school dance. She was inducted into the Otter Valley Hall of Fame upon her retirement, being honored for her years of service and dedication to the children, faculty, and institution. Holding nicknames like the Big R and Velvet Hammer, she left a lasting legacy on the school that will carry on for many years.

Nancy excelled in every aspect of her life. Everything that she did, she did with the utmost care and to the fullest extent. Deeply embedded within every community she belonged to, she was of service through volunteer work at animal rescues, including holding the position of Treasurer at Poodle Rescue of Vermont.

Nancy had a deep and devoted love for dogs, which was demonstrated to anyone that knew her in her care for her two poodles, Tommy, and Sophie. Nancy was also a talented knitter and seamstress. With an eye for finding beauty in the tarnished, she loved antiques, flea markets, decorating, and trinkets.

Nancy is survived by her brother; Frank E. Grillo, her six stepchildren and their families, all of whom she considered and loved liked they were her own; Marcia Robinson, Richard Robinson III (Melissa Robinson), Deborah Robinson, Glenn Robinson, Steven Robinson (former wife Paulette Fiorentino Robinson), and Scott Robinson (Jennifer Lady Robinson). Her six grandchildren; Matt Cosinuke (Alexis Cosinuke), Cassidy Lawrence (Nate Lawrence), Tucker Robinson, Halle Robinson, Tiller Robinson, and Clancy Robinson. Her great grandchildren; Kennedy Scribner (Halle Robinson), Wynslet Scribner (Halle Robinson), Iris Cosinuke, Maddox Cosinuke, Miller Cosinuke, Cecelia Lawrence, and Richard Lawrence.

There are no immediate services scheduled. Nancy’s family will hold a celebration of life sometime in the Spring or Summer when she’s laid to rest next to Dick at the family plot on Cotton Hill in Guilford, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Poodle Rescue of Vermont, http://www.poodlerescuevt.org/donate.html