It is with unending sadness and true disbelief that this new addition to The Ivy Twines, In Memoriam, begins with notification of the death of Marjorie Robin Jones. Many did not realize that Robin’s first name was Marjorie. She was known to us as Robin. To some (including this writer), she was known as Robbles. She was also known to us as a true Mohawker from age seven until her death on June 2, 2024 in Oro Valley, Arizona, where she had lived for many years with Susan Aceves, her beloved partner of nearly thirty years.
Robin was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 30, 1955 and raised in New Canaan, Connecticut. She was the daughter of Mary and Douglas Jones and sister of Doug Jones. All predeceased her (“Mother Mary” (as she was known to many alumni) died in February 2024 at age 100.) At the time of her own death, Robin was planning the memorial service for her mother, which was held without Robin a day before a poignant and loving memorial gathering at the Mohawk Chapel for Robin herself on June 25, 2024. Robin’s partner Susan was instrumental in organizing both memorials.
Robin graduated from New Canaan High School and The University of New Hampshire. She then earned her MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. Robin went on to have an impressive career at IBM. She was retired at the time of her death and looking forward to many years of travel and adventures.
Robin’s last visit to Mohawk was a year ago this month, September 2023, for a truly memorable and wonderful reunion. If I may offer a personal observation, I have known Robin since she first arrived at Camp and had never (despite thousands of moments filled with joy) seen her happier: we were laughing so hard and for so long the final night of the 2023 reunion that we could not stop. We truly could barely catch our breath. This is how, I believe, Robin would love to be remembered - laughing at her “happy place” with those she loved and who loved her. As she often said, “Misbehave a little.” We did.
Robin was a camper, CIT, counselor, unit leader, and although she would vehemently deny it, icon at Mohawk. She actually lived her life according to The Mohawk Creed, and credited camp with forming her adult decisions, leadership abilities, loving relationships, and for the genuine goodness in her life. Simply put, my lifelong friend, Robin Jones, was and in spirit remains, a true Mohawk sister. Robin was unyielding in her quiet way in the importance of the continuation of Camp Mohawk; she knew how the power and beauty of relationships and skills developed at camp formed strong and loving women for life. She stayed closely connected to Mohawk and Mohawkers in many ways to insure this continuation.
Robin’s death creates a huge void for so many, yet her memory and memories of cherished moments with her will hopefully help to navigate this void that can never be filled. The rare and sparkling spirit of Marjorie Robin Jones will continue to remain deep in the heart of every Mohawker. Her spirit, like the spirit of Mohawk, lasts a lifetime and now, beyond; they are practically one in the same. Perhaps the most humble person I will ever know, Robin Jones, would be most proud of that. Wocanda, Robbles.
Addendum: On April 26, 2017, Robin wrote the following review of camp for its website. Her words, as always, say it best:
Some of the best times of my life. Life long friends, memories and life skills of compassion, strength and leadership that was built through laughter, love and song. I remember being a bit stricken realizing after all those years of being a camper to CIT to counselor to unit leader that I had "aged out" and I had to move on with my degree and get a grown up job. But life goes on. and now as old, old friends are reconnecting-- we are remembering camp songs and stories together...and smiling through the memories... great times - wish I could pack that old trunk again sometimes...have a great season!
Comments