Mabelle F. (Goodrich) Robbie

Worcester- MABELLE F. ROBBIE, 94, with the same grace and gentle spirit she brought to everything, Mabelle passed quietly on February 7, 2016. Her beloved children were by her side.

Born to Ernest and Alice Goodrich in Whitman, MA, “Skippy,” as her father called her, developed a deep love of nature, and the arts that would remain with her throughout her life.  Mabelle had a great love of reading, especially history. Her keen mind, gentle and loving nature,  and  youthful spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her.

While at Colby Junior College in New London, CT, she met and married Walter J. Robbie, who predeceased her in 2006. Together they raised four children and built a life filled with friends, family, and travel, including many adventures sailing, skiing, and building cabins with her husband.  Their legendary hospitality, combined with Mabelle’s natural prowess as a cook, made the Robbie dining room a gathering place of much love and lively conversation.

Mabelle became a gifted watercolor painter who went on to master the art of Chinese brush stroke painting starting in her 50s. Her work has been exhibited at numerous public venues, most recently at the Merrimac Public Library in Merrimac MA to much acclaim. She was also an avid gardener who brought an artist’s eye to her lovely gardens.

Mabelle’s greatest joy came from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Prior to her most recent move to Eisenberg Assisted Living in Worcester, MA, she loved to entertain them her Merrimac, MA home of 34 years and took much delight in watching each new generation grow.

Mabelle is predeceased by her husband, Walter J. Robbie, her sister Alice Clark, and her brother, Walter Goodrich. She is survived by her daughters Susan Heckerling of Miami, FL, and Jean Robbie-Shea of Worcester, MA, and by her sons Peter Robbie of Norwich, VT and Douglas Robbie of Shelburne, VT. She is also survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The family especially wishes to thank the staff of Eisenberg Assisted Living for their warmth and care while Mabelle was among them.  No services are planned at this time. A private, family remembrance will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Mabelle may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston.

Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors, 838 Main Street Worcester, MA is honored to be assisting the Robbie family with Funeral Arrangements.

To Share a Memory of Mabelle, please visit: GPMFunerals.com

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