Audrey Robinson

Born March 22, 1936, in Skandia, a daughter of John W. and Alma E. (Haglund) Iery, Audrey was raised in Skandia. She attended Graveraet High School and later received her GED from Marquette Senior High School.

On June 20, 1953, Audrey was united in marriage to James M. Robinson I. Together the couple established a home and began raising their family of four children, JoAnn, James II, Debbie, and Gerald Robinson. When the marriage ended, Audrey married Ralph Gerding in September 1972 and they had two children, Gino and Gina Gerding. On June 20, 1980, Audrey remarried her first husband, Jim Robinson. Throughout the years, Audrey was employed as a waitress at Donckers, Apostle’s Restaurant, the White Tower, and Hamburger Heaven until that facility closed. She was also employed at the old Piqua until it burned and at the former St. Luke’s Hospital. Audrey was also a devoted caregiver to some special friends and also, at times, for relatives. She loved being involved with people and was a Tupperware representative, eventually becoming a manager, and then for sixteen years sold for Home Interiors. Faith was an essential aspect of Audrey’s life, and in March of 2009 she became a minister under Hand of the Lord Ministries. She had been very active in several local churches before becoming a minister and served in various capacities including church decorator for weddings, shower receptions, Christmas, and festive occasions. She used her cooking talents and cooked for special church occasions and had prepared Christmas dinner for the Janzen House. She blew the Shofar for two local churches and taught children’s Sunday School, ladies Bible studies, and was willing to help wherever needed. She often put her faith into action and made hats for the Warming Center and baby hats for both the Marquette and Ishpeming hospital NICU units and made satin gowns and suits for “angel babies”ù for both hospitals, as well as making baby-bunting accessories for anyone she knew who was having a baby. With her background in marketing and selling, Audrey loved to collect dolls, religious figurines (angels and Jesus), nativities, stuffed toys, and bells. She also took oil painting classes from artist John Heath and painted ornaments for eleven years for her kids and grandkids. She created many wedding bouquets, real and silk flowers, for many happy couples. She loved to work in her flower garden!

She was preceded in death by parents, John and Alma (Haglund) Iery; grandparents, John W. and Anna Iery, Oscar and Julia Haglund; her husband, James Robinson, Sr.; a son, James Robinson, Jr; a daughter, JoAnn Shelafoe; brothers, Manley (Tiny) Iery, Kenneth Iery, Paul (the late Betty) Iery; sisters, Phyllis (the late Elmer Hollinshead, Richard Brunette) Eugeno Rodriguez, Margaret (Dan Sievers) Hollinshead, Mary Kay Koepp Fowler, Elizabeth (the late Robert Wilson and Donald Anderson). Special man of thirteen years, Gene Rodriguez; plus sons-in-law brother and sisters-in-law, mothers and fathers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In her own personal family she leaves four children and spouses, Debbie (Gary) Piziali, Gerald Robinson, Gino (Bekkie) Gerding, and Gina (Joel) Herman; numerous (There are over 126 with spouses so far with more on the way) grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren; her sister, Geraldine (Keith) LeMoine; a brother, Gerald Iery; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

God said go forth and multiply and Audrey did her share and she loved each and every one. Mom’s work is done here. Her reward awaits her. Rest in peace. Mom, we love you.

Friends may call at Silver Creek Church, Harvey, on Tuesday, January 16, beginning at 2:00 pm until the time of service at 4:00 pm. Rev. D. Michael Carriere will officiate. A reception will follow the service.

Burial will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Marquette Beautification Committee.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.