It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robyn after an unexpected battle with brain cancer. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband; Jamie, the love of her life, her BFF and her soulmate for 36 years, their three children; Zade (Whitney), Dagan (Lianne) and Azra, her four step-children; Tage (Kim), Bree (Todd), Keegan (Lane) and Rhys, her 14 grandchildren (The Cawley Clan) along with many family and friends in Australia.
Robyn was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She was predeceased by her parents Jim and Doreen Starr, for whom she is grateful for the sacrifices they made to give her a good education and opportunities in life. Robyn graduated from SCEGGS high school and achieved a Bachelor of Science at the University of NSW and a post graduate diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics at Sydney University.
In July of 1983 she met Jamie on a bus / camping trip around Australia. They had one long date for a month in the outback and in October of 1983 Robyn took a leap of faith across the Pacific Ocean to Canada and never looked back. They married on Valentine's Day in 1985 and in 2004 Robyn proudly took on Canadian Citizenship and coined the term "CanAussie." She was proud of her Australian heritage and the strong work ethic her parents instilled in her. Her work as a Dietitian at VJH for almost 34 years has been a great source of pride and satisfaction for her. Robyn achieved a good work/life balance and was very involved in her children's activities. Time spent with family and friends
were very precious to her. She loved to travel and her work afforded her this indulgence. Her greatest legacy is her children.
We rise again in the faces of our children.
We rise again in the voices of our song.
We rise again in the waves out on the ocean.
And then we rise again.
(Song: We Rise Again by the Rankin Family)
Robyn does not want people to feel sad for her. "I have lived a wonderful life and while the circle of this life may be closing, I will take another leap of faith to the next circle."
In keeping with her wishes, there will be a private celebration of life for the immediate family.
Robyn and family have been greatly touched by the outpouring of love and support shown since her diagnosis. If you wish to celebrate her life she encourages you to get together and rejoice with stories, a cosmo or fine Australian wine. You may also wish to send a note to her family telling them how Robyn may have touched your lives via Bethel Funeral Chapel (bethelchapel@uniserve.com).
Donations in memory of Robyn to the Cancer Patient Comfort Fund at VJH Cancer Center, Hospice House or to the VJH Diabetes Center would be greatly appreciated.
Robyn's final wish is that you get up every day and put a smile on your face, give 150% effort at whatever you do and try to perform one act of kindness. In the words of Glenn Campbell, "If you try
a little kindness, you'll overlook the blindness of the narrow minded people in their narrow minded streets." We can all make a difference and pay it forward people! Cheers! Robyn
Cremation arrangements have been made with
BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.,
5605 27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5
(250) 542-1187
Bethel Funeral Chapel Ltd
Additional Photo(s):
