Elizabeth Robbins

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Robbins; her parents; and her five siblings.

She is survived by her children, Jay (Mary Ann) Robbins of Mentone, Alabama, Jodie (Phil) Guinn of Little Lake and twins, Kelly (Cindy) Robbins of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Klay (Sara) Robbins of Fort Pierce, Florida.

She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Anne Elizabeth Cronk was born on May 18, 1933, and grew up in the Detroit suburb of Hazel Park. Carl, the boy who would become her husband, was five years older and grew up on the next street over. One day he offered her a ride on his motorcycle, and the rest is history. They married and had four children. In 1967 they made a big move: they sold their house in Royal Oak and bought one 450 miles north in the Upper Peninsula. This home on Farmer’s Lake, just outside the tiny community of Little Lake, was where they would spend the rest of their lives. They cherished this home, and it is cherished to this day by the many friends and family members who have spent time there over the decades.

Liz and Carl were great parents. Liz was a stay-at-home mom. They loved camping and took their children and grandchildren to many places over the years. After her own children were grown, Liz often house-sat in Marquette and watched over the children of parents who had to travel. In retirement they took advantage of several Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) educational opportunities in the U.S. and Mexico. They also were volunteer hosts at various campgrounds in Wisconsin, Idaho, Georgia, and – their favorite – the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Lake Superior, where one summer they were caretakers of the Michigan Island Lighthouse. Liz returned to the Islands alone for several summers after Carl expressed his desire to stay home. She always enjoyed telling the story of how, on her first day, she was given a slingshot by the rangers and told that was to be her protection if she had any encounters with bears!

One summer, Liz worked as a tour guide on Mackinac Island, riding around in a horse-drawn cart telling passengers about the passing sites. She always loved horses, and she loved this job, even the physically demanding task of having to saddle her own horses every morning. She was a curious person, always happy to learn something new. Over the years she and Carl had goats, sheep, bees, and a pet raccoon. Liz was a reader and for several years was on the Forsyth Township Library Board.

Liz was a calm, steady presence in the lives of all who knew her. She would not often offer advice unsolicited, but many people over the years sought her counsel because of her ability to think clearly about the issue at hand and to offer sound advice and perspective. She was thoughtful and kind and tried hard to keep in touch with people; she sent a great many letters and birthday cards over the course of her life.

She loved tending to her summer flowers. She was especially proud of the wildflower bouquets she put in church every Sunday. Liz had many years of energy and health; it was a point of pride with her that at age 85 she was not taking any medications. In her final few years, however, her physical self saw a slow decline, though she remained mentally alert and present.

Faith and church were important to both her and Carl. From the time they moved to the U.P. In 1967, until Carl’s passing in 2001 and Liz’s passing a few weeks ago, they attended Little Lake Chapel.

It is at this chapel on M35 in Little Lake, where those who knew and loved Liz will gather on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. for a time of remembrance and food.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Liz’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com