Barbara Robins (née Makowski) was born in New York City on April 23, 1944, to Alfred and Vilma Makowski (née Raska). Her father Alfred served in WWII as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy/Seabees stationed in New Caledonia.
After the war the family moved out west, settling in Van Nuys, California. Barbara attended Birmingham High School (class of ’62), then UCLA (class of ’65) where she studied economics and joined Alpha Delta Pi sorority where she served as president.
While attending UCLA Barbara met Fredrick Robins of New Castle, Pennsylvania, on a blind date, and in 1965 they married. After a few years in the Bay Area, they moved to Pacific Palisades in 1971. Together they raised three children—Gregory, Andrew and Jessica. All three children attended Marquez Elementary School, Palisades High School, and were Bar and Bat Mitzvah’d at Kehillat Israel. During these years Barbara was actively involved in UCLA Alumni organizations, serving as president of Prytenean and Gold Shield. She was also a member of the The Chancellor’s Society.
Barbara was a deeply devoted mother to her three children, and to many in the neighborhood served as a second mother, and trusted friend.
In her second act, Barbara was grandmother to eight grandchildren. She embarked on her role as grandmother with as much passion and commitment as she did to mothering. Babysitting, running to activities, building Legos, and teaching her grandchildren her timeless life lessons and values.
Barbara loved living near the beach and could be seen often taking daily walks along the Will Rogers bike path with her cherished friends. She greatly enjoyed her morning coffee alone or with friends daily at Back on the Beach Café. She loved to cook, garden, read and entertain. Her gourmet meals for family and friends were always inspired and a joy to be a part of.
Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Barbara and Fred’s mutual love of travel took them around the globe and together they were able to explore every continent in the world.
On December 9, 2020, Barbara passed away surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband Fred, sister Petey, children Gregory, Andrew, and Jessica, their spouses, and eight grandchildren.
She will be missed deeply by all those who knew her. Her love, loyalty and strength will forever guide and sustain all of us who loved her.
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