Evelyn B. Robinson

Evelyn Beatrice Robinson, nee Bershatsky, passed away on December 31, 2023 at the age of 85 in Altadena, CA. Evelyn was born May 1, 1938 in New York and grew up in Brooklyn. She graduated from Queens College in 1957, becoming an early childhood educator. After graduation, Evelyn and some friends boarded a ship to visit Europe. Family lore has it that she met her future husband on that boat. He was waiting for her in New York when she returned, and then courted her from his home across the country. They were married on June 29, 1958 and Evelyn promptly moved to Corvallis, Oregon. Evelyn spent the rest of her life on the West Coast, living in Livermore, Chula Vista and Altadena, California. Evelyn, who had a brilliant mind, was a devoted bridge player and made many friends through the game. She played a mean game throughout her life and even learned to play online during the COVID pandemic. Despite many health challenges through the years, Evelyn took good care of herself and extended her life significantly. She enjoyed dancing, theater, good food (especially sushi and dim sum), interesting conversations, reading excellent books, and eating peaches. She was considerate and hospitable, a loyal friend, and encouraged everyone to reach for their potential. Evelyn’s Jewish heritage was important to her. She taught Sunday School in her local synagogues, and eventually became a kindergarten teacher in a Jewish Day School. At home, she created warm and memorable celebrations of Jewish holidays. Wishing to keep the family together, she hosted the extended families of her children’s spouses at Passover, leading to seders of up to 30 people. Once she had grandchildren, Evelyn\'s life was transformed. She was devoted to each one, rooting them on as they faced challenges and opportunities in life. She was proud to attend their birthdays and important life events and loved each one of them fiercely. Evelyn is survived by her children Deborah Gay (Seattle, WA), Matthew Eli (Long Beach, CA) and Michelle Elana (Eugene, OR) Robinson, grandchildren Joshua Yekutiel and Aaron Solel Rubenstein, and Gabriel Eugene and Mia Rose Robinson, daughter-in-law Tracy Robinson, cherished nephews Peter, Jason and Mark Bershatsky and beloved sister-in-law Rosalind Bershatsky. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Bershatsky and Rose Sherman Bershatsky, brother, Eugene Bershatsky, husband, Ernest Yehezkel Robinson, and son, Daniel Avram Robinson (Tracy).