We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Melinda Moshell Robins. Collecting stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and sign the guest book. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
One of my earliest memories of UVA Hillel, as a first year, was being greeted by a smiling Melinda, then president of Hillel. She seemed so mature--a fourth-year!, and so sure of herself. Melinda and I grew closer my second year, when she lived in the... moreOne of my earliest memories of UVA Hillel, as a first year, was being greeted by a smiling Melinda, then president of Hillel. She seemed so mature--a fourth-year!, and so sure of herself. Melinda and I grew closer my second year, when she lived in the same apartment complex as me on JPA. I believe our apartment was a bit of an escape for Melinda when she was going through some rough patches, but I was thrilled that a fifth year would want to hang out with me and my roommate, Susan. The three of us enjoyed watching MTV's Real World (I believe it was Chicago), the 2002 Winter Olympics (especially the figure skating!, and we had a good laugh when Sasha Cohen handed her phone to George W), and when Melinda came down to just talk. Susan and I came to view Melinda as a big sister, with worldly and sage advice. At my wedding a few years later, Melinda was seated near the back, so when I entered the sanctuary, her smiling face was one of the first faces that I saw. It immediately made me feel calm. I am so thankful I had the extraordinary privelege of having Melinda in my life.
Though I haven't seen Melinda often in recent years, I enjoyed reading her posts on Facebook (and I could easily hear Melinda's voice reading them). I was very thankful that Jeff and Melinda found each other. At their wedding, it seemed so clear that they were meant for each other, and made each other happy. I am heartbroken for Jeff, Leo, and Halley. Melinda's memory will be a blessing forever.
Melissa and I met Melinda first almost 20 years ago in Washington. From our first meeting, it was clear how much joy she brought into Jeff's life, something she shared with us and then with their kids. Over several visits back to Washington, we always... moreMelissa and I met Melinda first almost 20 years ago in Washington. From our first meeting, it was clear how much joy she brought into Jeff's life, something she shared with us and then with their kids. Over several visits back to Washington, we always enjoyed joining them at their place in Northern Virginia for what was inevitably great food and good fun with families, kids, and adults of all ages. It was that ability to effortlessly bring people together in joy that I will most remember about Melinda. In sympathy, Mike less
I met Melinda in 2011, when our children attended the same daycare. My daughter, Lila, and Leo, were the best of toddler friends - - Leo is in virtually every picture I received of Lila from the Day Care director usually hugging Leo or vice versa. ... moreI met Melinda in 2011, when our children attended the same daycare. My daughter, Lila, and Leo, were the best of toddler friends - - Leo is in virtually every picture I received of Lila from the Day Care director usually hugging Leo or vice versa. The Robins always invited us to their Superbowl party, and we tried to get our kids together for playdates even as they began to grow apart as growing up and diverging interests made finding times more and more difficult. Melinda was always so warm and kind, and such a wonderful person to talk to and listen to. I remember how we discussed that if we made an effort, we would stay friends even as our children slowly found different interests and circles. I only regret not making more of an effort these last years. We will miss you, Melinda. less
I met Melinda in 2017 when we first moved to the neighborhood. She’s one of the very first people I remember meeting we planned co-op events, played bunco, shared stories. Later our girls ended up on the same soccer team we gathered every week for... moreI met Melinda in 2017 when we first moved to the neighborhood. She’s one of the very first people I remember meeting we planned co-op events, played bunco, shared stories. Later our girls ended up on the same soccer team we gathered every week for practice and Saturday’s for games. She was always so sweet and kind. I will never forget how welcome she made me feel in those first few months. less