Toby Elaine Robinson (nee Bekelman), age 85, passed away peacefully early in the morning on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Morris Hall in Lawrenceville, NJ, after battling progressive dementia and COVID-19.
Born in May 9, 1935 in Providence, RI, she was a longtime resident of the Lawrenceville area. Toby attended Beth Israel School of Nursing and was certified as a Registered Nurse. She then earned a BS in Nursing from Boston University, and later a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner degree from New York University. She worked as a nurse in many roles: as a camp nurse, OR scrub nurse, school nurse, and in private pediatric practice. She worked for over 20 years for Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer County Area, eventually becoming Medical Director. After her retirement, she continued to serve her community as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Adath Israel Congregation, and working the polls during most elections. She was a champion of women’s rights and reproductive rights, a staunch Democrat, active in the League of Women Voters, and a longtime member of Congregation Adath Israel.
Toby spent her life caring for other people. Her family, friends, and co-workers all remember her compassion, dedication, and intense work ethic as she strove to make her home, her community, and the world a better place for everyone.
Toby is survived by her husband, Paul Harvey Robinson, twin brother Alan Bekelman, sister-in-law Marcia Cohen, daughter Julie Renee Robinson-Friedland, son Cliff Robinson, daughter-in-law Anne Skaja Robinson, granddaughters Kat & Brenna Robinson, niece L. Pat Robinson, nephews Ralph & Steven Robinson and David & Justin Bekelman, numerous cousins, and a large and loving extended family. She is predeceased by her parents, Harold and Bessie Bekelman, and a son-in-law, Eugene Friedland.
Funeral services and burial are Sunday, October 25, at 9:30am at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, 545 Eggert Crossing Road, Ewing, NJ.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/) or to Adath Israel Congregation (www.adathisraelnj.org/donate/).
Julie,
So very sorry on the loss of your Mom. Sending hugs to you and Cliff.
The Weinbergs
Alan,
I did not know Toby as well as others did, but I am glad that I was able to meet her and have a few short conversations with her. She was a kind, gentle soul who blessed everyone she touched. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cindy B.
I worked the polls with Toby. I looked forward to our conversations twice a year She was the kindest person I have ever know. So sad to hear of her passing
Marie Tagliaferri 😢
Toby was bright, kind, and a wonderful person to know, we will all miss her. Please
accept our sincere sympathies at this time. We are sending all of our love —