Brenda E. Robinson, 78

ADAMS, Mass. —  

Mrs. Brenda E. (Jillson) Robinson, 78, of Adams, died at her home peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 14, 2024.

She was born in North Adams on July 13, 1945, the daughter of the late Richard and Doris (Martin) Jillson.

In 1960, she met the love of her life, Thomas A. Robinson, whom she is survived by. They were married on September 4, 1966. They had two children, Kelly Ryan of Adams and Thomas Robinson, Jr (deceased). Her son-in-law James held a special place in her heart. She is survived by five grandchildren: Joshua (Shaloma) Robinson of Granby; Nicholas Robinson, of Granby; Caleb Robinson, of Wilbraham; Mallory (Andrew) Reynolds of Adams; and Ethan (Mackenzie) Ryan of Williamsport, PA. She also leaves four great grandchildren: Brooke and Beckett Reynolds; James Thomas Ryan; and Luca Robinson. She is also survived by her sister, Bonita Enos of Cheshire; and a brother, Tracy Jillson and his wife Sue of Springvale, ME and by many nieces and nephews. Brenda was predeceased by her two sisters, Beverly Haley and Barbara Hermon.

She never moved far from her roots. As a child she attended schools in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School in 1963. She then graduated from the Dental Technician program at the Charles H. McCann Technical High School. She earned her Bachelor of Education and graduated with honors from MCLA. Being dedicated to her profession, she went on to earn two master’s degrees, one in education and the other in special education from MCLA.

Mrs. Robinson taught for 31 years in the Adams Memorial Middle School until her retirement. She received an award from the American Legion post 160 for her efforts in organizing the flag day ceremony for most of her years at Adams Memorial. She worked at the Hancock Elementary School and also had been an adjunct professor at MCLA. Brenda selflessly shared her light with her community throughout her life. She was a communicant of the parishes of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. and St. John Paul II Church, Adams, where she served as a lector for 31 years and taught CCD for 16 years. She was a recipient of the Pope Paul XII Award for religious education and was the first female reader at the former St. Thomas Aquinas Church. She was one of the founding members to start the charity center at John Paul II and volunteered until their close. Brenda began a thanksgiving program for the elderly in Hancock. She was a devoted town meeting member of Adams for over 30 years. Brenda served on the board of directors for the Adams Youth Center and had been a longtime member of the meals ministry program where she was responsible for packaging and coordinating the delivery of more than 35,000 meals. She was a girl scout leader for 8 years and a member of the Western Massachusetts Girl Scout Council. For years, she opened her house to kids around Adams that had nowhere to go. Her generous spirit extended beyond her family to encompass so many. She was a mother and a nonnie to so many, regardless of how long she knew them or their relation. Every kid was her kid.

Brenda was known for her gatherings and parties. She welcomed everyone into her home. Probably from her teaching profession, she exuded a calmness and an easy spirit. She cared about her community and every member in it. Her family was her pride and joy. Brenda always found time and had a smile for everyone she met.

Her absence will be missed by so many, but we thank God we were able to love her and she us, for as long as we could.

Please help us celebrate the light and love of Brenda Robinson by attending calling hours IN THE CHURCH on Saturday morning from 9:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:00 A.M. in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, 21 Maple St., Adams. A Burial will follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Adams. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pop Cares, P.O. Box 482, Williamstown, MA 01267 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com.