Elodie Maria Theresa Robinson (nee Schellinck)

April 25, 1920 – April 9, 2009

Elodie passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord with her family at her side, Thursday April 9 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria from complications of COPD. She was predeceased by her brothers “Teddy,” Anton (Doc), granddaughter Megan, and her devoted husband Charlie, of 58 years. Charlie passed away just one month prior on March 9.
Elodie, the eldest of the six children was born in Alvena, Saskatchewan to Henri and Lucie (Vandermoor). The Schellinck family owned 160 acres of grain farming land in Eldersley Saskatchewan on which the family worked and resided. Her younger siblings included Yvonne (Baker), Mary (Moreau), Henry and Anton (Doc). Elodie attended the one room school house along with her siblings. She enjoyed music and learned to play the piano at a young age. Her dad had special ordered and had shipped from New York City her own beautiful piano. That piano is still in the family. She sang in the church choir and was involved in the church’s Young People’s Group, where she made many friends of whom she was still in contact with.
Elodie stayed on the farm until the time was right to go to the big city of Regina for further education. Her dad especially, counselled her not to stay on the farm, as it was a difficult, hard life. She earned her first Degree in Arts and Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan in 1946. Elodie was a genial lass and a good student. She won the Junior Fencing Tournament in her first year, and was active in debating and swimming circles.
She continued on to the University of Toronto and obtained her degree in Social Work. In the meantime her parents sold the farm in 1946 and moved to Victoria. Elodie worked at the Empress Hotel to put herself through school during summer vacation. She met Charlie at the Empress when he and his brother Ted would show up on their Harley’s wanting to take their girls for a ride after work. She married Charlie after graduation in Victoria March 26, 1951.
Elodie started her Social Work career in the Saanich office at which time she met her supervisor and life time friend Jean Bain. These “best friends” continued to have lunch every Tuesday right up until a few weeks before Elodie’s passing.
Elodie had a gentle and quiet spirit, she was full of fun and a heart to help the orphaned. She and Charlie raised four children Bruce (Maureen), Mark (Laura), Dana (Jim) and Shawn (Carmen) and leaves behind 5 precious grandchildren, Erin, Sarah, Leigh, Kirk and Claire. Elodie’s passion for life was obvious. Charlie and Elodie travelled the world after their retirements. She loved the arts. From the symphony, to paintings to drama to pottery she would indulge in them as much as possible. She had a real sense of style and unequalled energy, she really lived her life. She spent time in a game of scrabble, rummy, cribbage or doing crosswords. She was a fantastic cook and made the best roast beef and Yorkshire puddin’ dinner ever. She could whip you in an arm wrestle in no time flat.
Mom was unconditional. She forgave easy, was always kind, uplifting and accepting. She was generous, and compassionate especially for the “under dog.” You always felt better having been with Elodie, she had an incredible spirit, heart and soul. Elodie lived her faith. She loved all God’s creation and would always tell us kids to “keep your eyes peeled” which meant don’t miss seeing anything beautiful when we were on one of the many road trips she took us on to the mountains or the ocean or even the grocery store.
She gave her time to others and had a courage and strength that was inspiring and catchy. Elodie was a dear friend to many, a mentor, and an accomplice in adventure. She was wife, mother, sister, gramma and aunt extraordinaire who will be incredibly missed. We will see her again though, as she always spoke of that hope. We are proud to have you as our mother, we love you Mommy.
The Robinson Family thanks Dr. Frank Egan for his incredible kind and compassionate care of our mom, the nursing staff on RP1 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital were amazing and for her room mates Pauline and Katie, God bless you for being guardian angels for our mom. We thank our many friends and family that fed, comforted and prayed for us during the last days of mom’s life.

Prayers will be offered on Friday, April 17, at 7:00 pm in MCCALL BROS. FUNERAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Street.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, 2060 Haultain Street, at 12:10 noon, Saturday, April 18. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park and a Reception thereafter at Sequoia Gardens next door to the Burial Park. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The Hospice Society or Vancouver Children’s Hospital in honor of Elodie.