Robin Harriett Gemerchak

February 21, 1931 - February 24, 2021

A conversation with her mother about their respective funerals reportedly went as follows: Robin said to her mother, "I don't want my funeral to be a sad affair. I want it to be a celebration, a party even." To which her elderly mother famously replied, "Well, if that's how it's going to be, I'm not coming." Robin Harriett Gemerchak, née Nettles, would not wish us to weep for her soul that went into that gentle night on February 24 2021, following a blessed life of 90 years. Known and loved for her generous smile, easy laugh and lingering southern accent, Robin would want her myriad friends and loving family to celebrate her life … preferably with their feet in the sand. Born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 21, 1931, she grew up with her sister and three brothers. She graduated from the U. of Alabama, majoring in speech therapy and theatre, and served as president of her sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) and the women's student body. She began her working life as a teacher before heading north with her husband Ed to start a family. Robin was truly a woman for others. First and foremost, she was the proud mother of three rambunctious boys, the stable center of their lives, the beating heart of the family. She was, and is, the bond that remains unbroken. Her passion for her children found a new vessel to fill with the arrival of her five grandchildren, on whom she showered her inexhaustible reserves of love and energy, forging new bonds with the family's next generation. They love her dearly, as she did them. Her generosity flowed freely to friends, church and community. An extremely dedicated volunteer, she gifted her time over the space of 35 years to Hospice of NW Ohio and the Mercy Hospital Guild, serving a term as president. She was also active at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, where she served as a eucharistic minister and lector for several decades. These are just a few of the highlights of her long volunteering career. Then, at the ripe old age of 60, she returned to school to obtain her Master's in Education, to resume her first calling: teaching. A faithful member of a tightly knit prayer group, she loved to host the book club, the garden club, and anything that would give her an excuse to entertain guests, cook and bake. Cookies. Endless cookies. Never losing her girlish college spirit, she was a fierce and vocal supporter of the U. of Toledo women's basketball team, attending Every_Single_Game. Above all, Robin was a dignified woman. Elegant. Lovely. Colorful and unforgettable. She is survived by her husband Ed, brother Bill Nettles, and her children, Ed (wife Sally Wile, father of Carter and Chris), Rob (wife Eileen Boyle, father of Joey, Maren and Danny), and Chris Gemerchak (partner Ellen Deckers). Robin's family deeply appreciates the loving care that she received from the many incredible caretakers at Parkcliffe Community whom she became dear friends with over the past two years. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Tuesday, March 2 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by Mass at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns at 11:00 a.m. The funeral Mass will be live streamed at toledostpats.org. Masks and social distancing are required. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's association or a charity of donor's choice. Please leave a condolence for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.