Robin A. Forsythe-Mias

Robin Forsythe-Mias passed from this world on April 23rd, a beautiful, warm, spring morning full of possibility, which was her favorite kind of day. Trek, her soul sister, was by her side to wish her well on her journey.

Robin had a singular gift for making the most of all things, may it be allowing her child to ride her tricycle in their apartment after a week of rain, or finishing off a 50-mile bike ride with her husband Jim with a stop for ice cream or berry picking. She took great joy in hosting low-key and festive holiday potlucks, baking goodies for others and creating all sorts of things - quilts, flags, wreaths - to give to friends and family. To her grandchildren, she was an endless source of fun activities with homemade cookies, indoor baseball with balloons and catching frogs, to name a few. To everyone else, she was a wellspring of resourcefulness, true friendship and a wicked sense of humor. Robin never met a stray animal whose life she couldn’t make better (usually by taking them in) or a person whose life wasn’t enriched for having known her, as evidenced by the hundreds of stories delivered to her family of her profound yet everyday kindnesses.

Born in 1952, Robin Forsythe Mias was the daughter of Dorothy and Leo Forsythe. A middle child among siblings Suzan, Bruce, Jeffrey, Terese (Trek) and Tim (who passed away last fall), she was raised in their Bridge Road home a stone’s throw from the Warner Farm’s oxen and the Look Park pool. A Cooley Dickinson baby, Gazette paper girl, and tobacco worker, she eventually got her LPN degree from the Smith Vocational Nursing Program, fulfilling her destiny as a caregiver. Her nursing career spanned four separate 10-year positions: starting at Cooley Dickinson on all shifts, Hospice Nurse, Office Nurse for Drs. Zesiger and Kamel and at Riverside Industries. She retired, only to return to nursing by assisting Jim and Priscilla Dean alongside fellow nurse and lifelong friend Melissa Miller in the final three years of their lives while battling her own cancer. The Deans were like family to her.

Robin leaves behind her husband Jim, daughter Lisa Page and her husband Tony Page, and son Seth Mias. While she lived a full, vibrant life, nothing pleased her more than watching her grandchildren grow up close by. Zach Page, who shared a birthday with her, and Nolan, Molly and Finn Mias were the joys of her life. Grandma shined whenever they were near. Robin also leaves behind Trish Hourihan, mom to Nolan, Molly and Finn, and Lisa Forsythe, her sister in law. Melissa (Newman) Miller was her touchstone, and niece Jody Young was like another daughter. Beth Kilduff was also a dear friend. Many other nieces, nephews and in-laws were incredibly meaningful in her life.

The Mias Family would like to thank the Leeds neighborhood, Northampton Rail Trail Friends, The Mater Dolorosa community of Holyoke and Hospice of Hampshire County, with much gratitude to nurses Julie, Dawn and Becca. Finally, thanks to Drs. Howard and Jodka, Chris and all involved at Cooley Dickinson in Robin’s 2 ½ years of treatment. We were so lucky to have you near...

Robin has passed away, but has imprinted in us love, kindness and humility. Her legacy is gratitude for small beauty and everyday joys.