Welcome to the memorial page for
Robbin M. Duncan Elmi
August 7, 1955 ~ March 28, 2016 (age 60) 60 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by the Rapuano-Hammond family.
on May 10, 2016 5:21 PM
A candle was lit by Leslie Blaney
on April 15, 2016 11:15 AM
Message from Joe Elmi
April 13, 2016 11:44 AM
I would like to thank everyone for their kind condolences during this very difficult time. Those of you who were able to be present at the memorial service, I hope you were able to find closure and peace. I wanted to say a few more things that I was unable to say at the memorial. Forgive me if I get carried away, I guess this is my way of achieving peace and closure.
Robbin and I met in 1975. Since that day she became my best friend and closest confidant. When I was weak, she gave me strength, when I was down, she gave me hope. She kept me grounded, yet always encouraged me to take chances. She would tell me that I was her rock, but I knew that she was the rock, and that despite all of my frailties and shortcomings she still believed in me, though I’ll never know why.
She grew up on a dairy farm in New York where she had to work very hard all her life helping out with the chores associated with farm life, including helping to raise her younger siblings and even assisted her father with birthing calves. From her simple beginnings, she maintained her love of the simple things in life. She kept our family together with her love, devotion and her sense of humor. Nothing was more important to her than her children, me and her family, followed very closely by her beloved dog, Maisy and cats, Spooky and now Oliver. Her favorite times were spent sitting in our porch with the animals and family, watching the birds and squirrels at the feeder.
We were married in 1984, one of the happiest days of my life; we had our two children Steffen and Brooke, two of my other happiest days, and eventually settled in at our home in West Newbury, another very happy day. Through all of this Robbin continued to work at Pine Grove School in Rowley for an amazing career of 32 years. She was bright, engaging and focused on her children never wanting to give up her position as a classroom teacher despite many opportunities to rise up to an administrative position because of her love of the children. When Steffen was only about three years old she had a class of 36 children and despite having to carry him around on her back while she prepared her classroom, she gave those kids, what many have told her was the best year they ever had. It was common for the entire family to spend the last two weeks of every summer vacation helping her to set up her room. It was difficult for her to give up her position and retire, but she also remembered when another teacher had retired so that she may keep her classroom position. So she retired and we planned to spend the rest of our lives traveling, enjoying our time together and, hopefully, seeing our children marry and have children of their own.
Unfortunately, she became unsteady on her feet due to circumstances unknown to us at the time and suffered a series of falls that left her with first a fractured leg and later fracturing one of her vertebrae that required her to have surgery to fuse her spine. While she hated hospitals, she remained pleasant and enjoyed joking and teasing the staff and after two long weeks she convinced them that she was strong enough to go home to her family and pets. Her subsequent demise occurred as a result of that decision as she still had an infection she was not strong enough to fight off.
That was the saddest day of my life. There is a huge hole in my life now where Robbin is supposed to be. I find myself wandering around not knowing what to do. This was not what was supposed to happen. It is so unfair. So I will try to carry on for the sake of my children. Because she would want me to be there for them because that’s what she would say was the most important thing. I love you Robbin Duncan and miss you terribly. You are and always will be the most remarkable woman I’ve ever known.
Robbin and I met in 1975. Since that day she became my best friend and closest confidant. When I was weak, she gave me strength, when I was down, she gave me hope. She kept me grounded, yet always encouraged me to take chances. She would tell me that I was her rock, but I knew that she was the rock, and that despite all of my frailties and shortcomings she still believed in me, though I’ll never know why.
She grew up on a dairy farm in New York where she had to work very hard all her life helping out with the chores associated with farm life, including helping to raise her younger siblings and even assisted her father with birthing calves. From her simple beginnings, she maintained her love of the simple things in life. She kept our family together with her love, devotion and her sense of humor. Nothing was more important to her than her children, me and her family, followed very closely by her beloved dog, Maisy and cats, Spooky and now Oliver. Her favorite times were spent sitting in our porch with the animals and family, watching the birds and squirrels at the feeder.
We were married in 1984, one of the happiest days of my life; we had our two children Steffen and Brooke, two of my other happiest days, and eventually settled in at our home in West Newbury, another very happy day. Through all of this Robbin continued to work at Pine Grove School in Rowley for an amazing career of 32 years. She was bright, engaging and focused on her children never wanting to give up her position as a classroom teacher despite many opportunities to rise up to an administrative position because of her love of the children. When Steffen was only about three years old she had a class of 36 children and despite having to carry him around on her back while she prepared her classroom, she gave those kids, what many have told her was the best year they ever had. It was common for the entire family to spend the last two weeks of every summer vacation helping her to set up her room. It was difficult for her to give up her position and retire, but she also remembered when another teacher had retired so that she may keep her classroom position. So she retired and we planned to spend the rest of our lives traveling, enjoying our time together and, hopefully, seeing our children marry and have children of their own.
Unfortunately, she became unsteady on her feet due to circumstances unknown to us at the time and suffered a series of falls that left her with first a fractured leg and later fracturing one of her vertebrae that required her to have surgery to fuse her spine. While she hated hospitals, she remained pleasant and enjoyed joking and teasing the staff and after two long weeks she convinced them that she was strong enough to go home to her family and pets. Her subsequent demise occurred as a result of that decision as she still had an infection she was not strong enough to fight off.
That was the saddest day of my life. There is a huge hole in my life now where Robbin is supposed to be. I find myself wandering around not knowing what to do. This was not what was supposed to happen. It is so unfair. So I will try to carry on for the sake of my children. Because she would want me to be there for them because that’s what she would say was the most important thing. I love you Robbin Duncan and miss you terribly. You are and always will be the most remarkable woman I’ve ever known.
A candle was lit by Cathy Glencross
on April 3, 2016 4:31 PM
A candle was lit by Donna Renzulli and Family
on April 3, 2016 11:05 AM
Message from Lynda Kubik
April 2, 2016 4:41 AM
Robin's passing was such sad news. It was my pleasure to work with her for many years. Robbin was a dedicated teacher who truly loved her profession and inspired all of us at Pine Grove School in so many ways. I will miss her sense of humor and infectious laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:09 PM
Thank you Linda.
A candle was lit by Lynda Kubik
on April 2, 2016 3:36 AM
Message from Rachel and Jennifer Gibbs
April 1, 2016 7:10 PM
Hello Joe, Steffen, and Brooke, the first thing Jen and I spoke about when remembering Robbin was her voice. It was such a unique part of her. Just the sound of her voice was upbeat, cheerful, energized. She loved to laugh and her laughter made you laugh. We remember giggling with delight at her one-of-a-kind monkey impression. We remember being with her and you, Joe -- playing games and learning to play chess. Jen especially remembers her visits when she was teaching at Georgetown. Robbin was our babysitter but became so much more for us. She was a bridge through a challenging time for our family, filled with care and compassion. We loved her dearly and send all of you our deepest sympathy.
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:13 PM
Dearest Rachel and Jennifer,
Thank you, Robbin loved you both as if you were her own children, I hope to see you this summer at your parents when we spread her ashes, I hope you can make it.
Thank you, Robbin loved you both as if you were her own children, I hope to see you this summer at your parents when we spread her ashes, I hope you can make it.
A candle was lit by Jennifer and Rachel Gibbs, to their beloved babysitter
on April 1, 2016 6:52 PM
A candle was lit by Mary and Steve Boyd
on April 1, 2016 5:24 PM
Message from Mary Boyd
April 1, 2016 5:17 PM
Steve and I send our sincere condolences to Joe, Steffen and Brooke.
Mary Boyd
Mary Boyd
Message from Charlie Cramer
April 1, 2016 5:10 PM
Joe and family,
It brings me great sadness to hear of Robin's passing. We had many good times together, I will miss her. My condolences to all.
Charlie
It brings me great sadness to hear of Robin's passing. We had many good times together, I will miss her. My condolences to all.
Charlie
Message from Linda Thomson-Clem and family
April 1, 2016 5:08 PM
Dear Joe, Steffen and Brooke,
My most sincere condolences. I have wonderful memories of Robbin and Pine Grove School. We laughed a lot! May your memories, and the thoughts and love coming your way from family and friends, help you through this sad time.
My most sincere condolences. I have wonderful memories of Robbin and Pine Grove School. We laughed a lot! May your memories, and the thoughts and love coming your way from family and friends, help you through this sad time.
A candle was lit by Charlie Cramer
on April 1, 2016 5:05 PM
A candle was lit by Linda Thomson-Clem, Jamey, Sarah, Lyndsay and Jon Thomson
on April 1, 2016 4:59 PM
A candle was lit by Lorrie Korba
on April 1, 2016 1:47 PM
A candle was lit by Steve Colombo
on April 1, 2016 10:23 AM
Message from Joanne Hight
March 31, 2016 5:22 PM
My daughter Emelia was in Ms. Duncan's last class at Pine Grove for the past two years. Ms. Duncan was such a loving and caring teacher. She truly took each student under her wings. The students have many fond memories of her fun times in and out of the classroom. We had a surprise retirement party for her the last week of school last year. Her students put on a show for her and sang to her. Ms. Duncan was so happy and sad at the same time. It was bittersweet.
My sympathy to her family and friends of many years. She was a beautiful woman with such a caring heart.
My sympathy to her family and friends of many years. She was a beautiful woman with such a caring heart.
Message from Angie Hinckley
March 31, 2016 5:18 PM
Dear Joe, Steffen and Brooke,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Robbin's passing. I knew Robbin as a coworker, as the teacher of my son and as a friend. It was a pleasure to work in Robbin's classroom. She was a gifted and dedicated teacher who loved her students and made learing so much fun. My son adored her as his second grade teacher. To this day, each Thanksgiving, we hang up the turkey he made out of a brown paper bag during "Friday Project Time" in her classroom. I smile as I remember those happy faces of her students. She touched so many lives and I know her beautiful spirit will live on for many generations to come. Robbin will be greatly missed!
With Deepest Sympathy,
Angie Hinckley
I was deeply saddened to hear of Robbin's passing. I knew Robbin as a coworker, as the teacher of my son and as a friend. It was a pleasure to work in Robbin's classroom. She was a gifted and dedicated teacher who loved her students and made learing so much fun. My son adored her as his second grade teacher. To this day, each Thanksgiving, we hang up the turkey he made out of a brown paper bag during "Friday Project Time" in her classroom. I smile as I remember those happy faces of her students. She touched so many lives and I know her beautiful spirit will live on for many generations to come. Robbin will be greatly missed!
With Deepest Sympathy,
Angie Hinckley
Message from Bob, Judy and Bryan Owen
March 31, 2016 5:13 PM
Dear Joe, Stephan and Brooke, We were so saddened to read about Robbin's passing. I remember her always being at the boys sporting and school events. She always had
a great smile and laugh and she was a great person. We send our deepest condolences and our prayers go out to your entire family. Bob and Judy Owen
a great smile and laugh and she was a great person. We send our deepest condolences and our prayers go out to your entire family. Bob and Judy Owen
A candle was lit by The Hight Family
on March 31, 2016 5:10 PM
A candle was lit by Angie Hinckley
on March 31, 2016 5:09 PM
A candle was lit by Tyler Soucy and Family
on March 31, 2016 4:37 PM
Message from Shari and Dick
March 31, 2016 1:28 PM
Robbin will always be treasured as a most remarkable woman. She entered our lives nearly fifty years ago as a teenager in a church youth group we led in Troy, NY. Robbin immediately became THE trusted babysitter for our two very young daughters, Jennifer and Rachel, nurturing them as their second "mom" well into their adulthood. Robbin had an enormous capacity to give of her love. Once you were in Robbin's fold, she never released her hold on you. She was love, laughter, fun and happiness rolled into one beautiful soul. Robbin's legacy of grace and her bright light will long radiate through the lives of the many she touched, leaving a rainbow of goodness and a veritable "pot of gold" deep in our hearts. Our love and sympathy to Joe, Steffen, Brooke, and extended family and friends. May you find peace in your memories of Robbin.
A candle was lit by Shari and Dick Gibbs
on March 31, 2016 1:14 PM
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on March 31, 2016
Dear Brooke, We send our deepest sympathies for your loss. With warm thoughts and prayers, Your friends at Temple Law
A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on March 31, 2016
Robbin, I'll always remember your cunning smile, infectious laughter and dedication to your family, friends, and students. Rest in Peace, Mae
Message from Rebekah Reynolds
March 31, 2016 5:05 AM
Words can't express how heartbroken I am to learn of Robbin's passing! She was a dear friend and mentor. I cherish the memories beginning at Pine Grove and lasting into motherhood as I began my family. Robbin was a true gem! A devoted teacher, caring friend and loving mother. Love and prayers to Joe, Steffen and Brooke.
A candle was lit by De Almeida family
on March 31, 2016 3:29 AM
Message from Courtney De Almeida
March 31, 2016 3:27 AM
My thoughts go out to Ms. Dunkins family Im so very sorry she was my 2nd grade teacher years ago the same year her son was born she was a very good person im glad i got a chance to talk to her not long ago at the school may she rest peacefully
A candle was lit by The Culverwell Family
on March 30, 2016 10:41 PM
A candle was lit by Becca McWeeney
on March 30, 2016 10:26 PM
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on March 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Duncan Elmi Family. Robbin was a dear friend, mentor, and colleague. She will always be remembered by her loving kind words. Love, Kellie Romanus Grade 4 Teacher Pine Grove Elementary
Message from Alyson Edwards Roberts
March 30, 2016 9:02 PM
I am a teacher in Washington, DC today because of Ms. Duncan. I am so, so sorry to hear of her passing. Ms. Duncan was an inspirational teacher. She made learning fun and engaging- I remember coming to school each day of 2nd grade excited to learn (an excitement I took with me the remainder of my schooling- and something that has carried over to my career)! Ms. Duncan touched so many lives! I know that she was totally and completely devoted to both her students, and to her family. Now that I am a teacher with a family of my own I know how challenging it can be to balance both of these very, very important jobs. Ms. Duncan was an amazing teacher and an amazing person. She will be missed dearly and remembered fondly. Sending so much love to her family.
Message from Nick Kreticos
March 30, 2016 7:49 PM
Ms. Duncan was an extraordinary teacher who will be greatly missed. She was my fourth grade teacher, as well as for my three other siblings and showed kindness and patience to all of us. It is with deepest sadness to hear of the passing of Ms. Duncan and she will be forever remembered and missed. Our condolences with the family during this difficult time.
~ The Kreticos Family
~ The Kreticos Family
A candle was lit by Nick Kreticos
on March 30, 2016 7:43 PM
Message from Ron Erickson
March 30, 2016 7:37 PM
Our thoughts and prayers to Joe and Robbin's family
Sending you all our deepest sympathies .
Ronno
Sending you all our deepest sympathies .
Ronno
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:16 PM
Thank you,
Message from Rick Kearn & Family
March 30, 2016 7:36 PM
Dear Joe, Steffen and Brooke,
We are devastated to hear of the passing of Robbin. She was a wonderful lady and will always be fondly remembered. The world has dimmed immeasurably from the loss of the bright light of her soul. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
We are devastated to hear of the passing of Robbin. She was a wonderful lady and will always be fondly remembered. The world has dimmed immeasurably from the loss of the bright light of her soul. You have our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
Message from jgelmi2002@yahoo.com
April 18, 2016 12:16 PM
Thank you.
A GRANDMA'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on March 30, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. love, Mom, Jim, Grace and Ken
A candle was lit by Maureen Thompson Phillips
on March 30, 2016 6:38 PM
A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on March 30, 2016
To my precious friend of many years, travel with angels my dear one, till we meet again. Love from Maureen Thompson Phillips
A candle was lit by Max, Matti and Julie Nichols
on March 30, 2016 6:26 PM
A candle was lit by Kathy Magee
on March 30, 2016 6:09 PM
A candle was lit by Kathy Willis
on March 30, 2016 5:20 PM
A candle was lit by The Amello Family
on March 30, 2016 4:39 PM
Message from Adrienne Mavragis
March 30, 2016 3:08 PM
Robbin was a warm, wonderful person. Teaching was her life when she wasn't busy with her family. I know she will be sorely missed by all. I always enjoyed working with her. She was a love to talk to-lots of fun!
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:17 PM
Thank you.
Message from Tricia king
March 30, 2016 12:06 PM
God speed Robin. You meant so much to our family, and yours to us.
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:18 PM
Thank you, Trish, our family will always remember your kindness.
A BASKET GARDEN was sent on March 30, 2016
Robbin, You were the "keeper" of all hearts who knew you. Thank you. Rest in peace. Joe, Steffen and Brooke, May God keep you as you suffer with her loss. We love you. Ron and Jackie
A candle was lit by Sheila Christensen
on March 30, 2016 10:42 AM
A candle was lit by Tyler and Meghan ❤️
on March 30, 2016 10:02 AM
A candle was lit by Jarod
on March 30, 2016 9:54 AM
Message from Diane Cooper
March 30, 2016 9:46 AM
Robbin was a wonderful teaching partner and long time friend, she will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go to Joe, Steffen and Brooke.
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:19 PM
Diane,
Thank you, I will always remember the goods times we all had together.
Thank you, I will always remember the goods times we all had together.
A candle was lit by Diane Cooper
on March 30, 2016 9:43 AM
Message from Anita Chadbourne Field
March 30, 2016 8:28 AM
I'm so very sad to hear of Miss Duncan's passing. I was a member of her very first second grade class. Oh how we loved her. She was so very young and fun. I loved going to school everyday because of her. She even had the entire class in the church on her wedding day and was kind enough (or brave enough) to seat us up front where we could see. I thought she looked like a princess!
Rest in peace, Miss Duncan. You will be forever loved by this 40 year old former student. I wish I could be there on Saturday to say good-bye. I'll be thinking of your family as will other members of your very first class.
Rest in peace, Miss Duncan. You will be forever loved by this 40 year old former student. I wish I could be there on Saturday to say good-bye. I'll be thinking of your family as will other members of your very first class.
Message from Joe
April 18, 2016 12:20 PM
Thank you.
A candle was lit by Gail Wolek, Marty Green, and Samuel Osterhout
on March 30, 2016 7:29 AM
A candle was lit by Janet Rogers
on March 30, 2016 7:12 AM
A candle was lit by Christine Kneeland
on March 30, 2016 6:42 AM
A candle was lit by Gidget and Dave Roberts
on March 30, 2016 6:31 AM
A candle was lit by The Staff at F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home
on March 29, 2016 9:45 PM
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