Robin Haskin Brown, 93, died on January 18, 2024 at Fairview Nursing Home in Groton, CT due to RSV and Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on June 18, 1930 in New London, CT, she was the daughter of Joseph Robert Haskin, Jr. and Miriam (Bickford) Haskin. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Paul Brown, son Steven Brown of Farmingville, NY, and granddaughter Wendy Brown.
She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her surviving children are Suzi Huisman (husband Bob) of Hilton Head, SC, Archie (Chipper) Brown (wife Donna) of Milford,
NH, and Jennifer Panosky (husband Mark) of North Stonington, CT.
She attended Wheaton College and received a diploma from Hartford Art School.
Robin moved frequently during her childhood, following her naval officer father. She spent her high school years in Kirkwood, MO, where she met and dated Don. She didn’t fall for him then, however, finding him a little too dull. After her first marriage to Archie Williams ended, she realized Don was not only steady and reliable but also wonderful and they promptly married. They lived in Bellport, NY then Southold, NY, for many years. After several years in Santa Fe, NM, she and Don lived in Mystic and then at Thames Edge in Groton.
Robin was very active in volunteer activities, including Master Gardeners, the Cooperative Extension, the Bellport, Southold, and Santa Fe Garden Clubs, Bellport Memorial Library trustees, and the Herb Society of America. She loved old houses, the more dilapidated the
better. She and Don had an abandoned house moved from Peconic to Bellport and completely restored it.
Robin loved sailing and was loathe to give up the tiller no matter how foul the weather. Robin also loved dogs, a love that lasted through the ravages of dementia to the end of her life and adopted many strays.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Potter League for Animals of RI.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 on February 17 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl St, Mystic, CT.