With a mixture of grief and relief we announce that our beloved sister and daughter, Robyn, slipped away peacefully on December 7, 2024, with her family at her side after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her passing leaves a gaping hole in our hearts that is filled with the relief that the pain and suffering she has taken in stride so bravely for so long has ended and she has gone to a place of peace and safety which she so richly deserves.

Robyn was born March 2, 1978, at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton. She moved with her family to Grande Prairie in August 1978 where her dad, Ray, had accepted a teaching position with the Grande Prairie School District. She was a happy child who enjoyed dancing, swimming, roller skating and playing with the neighborhood girls. She was a successful Brownie who loved being part of the group and enjoyed the challenges that being a Brownie posed, earning all the rewards that Brownies had to offer.

She spent time in her teen years working in the fast-food industry then, in her early twenties, the Cineplex theatre where she eventually became general manager. Robyn had excellent problem-solving skills and was a master of customer service because of her friendly, outgoing manner. She was assertive and handled difficult situations and people with skill and grace. She was very adept at finding ways to satisfy customers at little cost to the company.

She was always eager to learn new things, so, after several successful years at the theatre Robyn moved to Calgary to train as a financial planner, eventually earning a certified financial planner designation. Unfortunately, she fell ill, was unable to work, and eventually moved back to Grande Prairie in late 2020.

Robyn had a commonsense approach to life, and could light up a room with her sense of humor, her positivity and her smile. She was more concerned with others’ wellbeing than with her own, always making sure those around her felt comfortable. Even when critically ill she would “power through” to help her mother or take her poodle, Bella, for a walk.

She was always very thankful for anything she received and quick to express sympathy toward others for their pain or misfortune. The words, ‘thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry’ rolled off her tongue easily and often.

Robyn leaves behind her loving father, Ray; mother, Charlene; stepmother, Marie Johnson, brother, Kyle of Edmonton; stepsiblings Abbey Shears (David) of Edmonton, Leigh Johnson, Adrian Buziak (Steph); niece, Halle as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Calgary, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

The family wishes to thank Grande Prairie Home Care for their professional support under the direction of Robyn’s case manager, Jen Dika. We are deeply grateful for the work of Dr. Erika Haase, skilled surgeon at the Grey Nuns Hospital, and Dr. Angela Barreth for her personalized symptom management care. The family also offers heartfelt thanks for the fine work of the staff at the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre especially Cheryl, Tessa and Patty for making Robyn’s treatment visits warm and bright and to Unit Manager, Tracy Peddy for her strong family support. Many thanks also to Dr. Rigo for his expert guidance, advice and advocacy and to Dr. Hattingh and Dr. Marcotte for their caring support and advice. Cancer can be a terrifying journey, but Robyn was always made to feel comfortable and supported during her treatment visits.

The family also wishes to thank the provincial cancer team who worked diligently behind the scenes to find the best treatment options for Robyn and many others. Our family is very grateful for this.

As per Robyn’s wishes, her ashes will be sprinkled into the Bow River at a private family celebration of life in the spring of 2025.

Donations in Robyn’s name can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and/or the Canadian Cancer Society.

“I’m so glad we had this time together just to have a laugh or sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long.” Carol Burnett

Love you always, Robyn.