Obituary of Diana L. Robinson

Diana (Dina) Robinson Vernon-Diana (Dina) Louise Robinson of Vernon NY passed away February 7th, 2015 after a long illness. She was born to William C Robinson and Wilhelmina C Werner Robinson Johnson in Lyons NY on April. 8Th, 1959. Both parents are deceased. She is survived by her step father Donald P. Johnson (Utica), life partner Eric Vaill, (Vernon), son John Michael Elliott (Cortland) sister Karen W. Robinson (Cortland), brother John Gregor (Melodie) Robinson, (Munnsville), step siblings Jennifer (Joe) Chamberlain, Mary (Gino) Laurenzo, Susan, Margaret, Jeffrey and David Johnson. She had many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all of whom she enjoyed. She and her niece Paige (who Dina loved to call "Smidgeon") (Ben) Burleigh Hopkins (Morrow, Ga) were particularly close. We were sorry she was not able to meet Paige and Ben's new son Sebastian and grateful she was able to see photos of him. A graduate of Madison Central School, Dina was the first student to graduate early in the district. She attended Syracuse University, majoring in International Policy Studies. Her travels after college took her to San Diego, Ca and she returned to NY after the birth of her son John. Together they moved to Reno Nevada and then returned to New York and the Vernon area permanently. She worked with child care and for the Dept. Of Social Services. She was also a frequent substitute teacher at VVS where her father had taught decades earlier. Her employment always reflected in some way her true passions; people, humanity, human rights, justice, politics, writing and the back stories of the lives of everyday people. She was always involved in local politics and assisting those in need and she truly excelled when news reporting become a full time job. Writing and breathing were synonymous for Dina, she could not do one without the other and her work was highly appreciated by those that looked forward to her next breaking story or Hometown news article. Her writing brought to life incredible tales of courage, fascinating interests and talents of real people. For many years she thrived as she raised her cherished son John. He was an integral part of her everyday work life, traveling with her to do interviews and to keep her pulse on the finger of the communities around her. They shared many adventures together. In the early 2000's Dina stepped into the first of a series of illnesses that eventually claimed her life. Her partner Eric was her best friend, confidant and caretaker throughout her remaining years. She was very proud to have "beaten cancer" twice and her courage was without equal. There will be no services now and a spring graveside service will be announced later when she is laid to rest next to her father at Skinner Cemetery in Vernon Center, NY. Malecki Funeral Home of Vernon, NY is handling all arrangements. The family is deeply thankful to Mitch Frair and for his guidance and assistance. Because we will not gather now to celebrate Diana's life with those who also mourn her we ask that you would please share a memory, a photo, a tear, or a laugh as a condolence that we may cherish and save, either on the Legacy guest book attached to this obituary in the newspaper or at maleckifuneralhome.com where it can also be attached to her obituary. Dina had so many passions that if you wish you could make a donation to some sort of active local group or perhaps to Hospice. What is most important is that those who knew Dina pass the plate of care, cheer and compassion in her absence so that her good works can continue in eternity.