Joy Robb

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Joy J. Robb, former mayor of Robbinsdale, affectionately known as “Mother Robin”. Joy was born to George Lawrence Johnson and Lillian Alice Lewis Johnson in Minneapolis on June 8,1934 on her older brother Dean’s fifth birthday. Joy grew up on Regent Avenue in Robbinsdale graduating from Robbinsdale High in 1952 and Hamline University in 1956. She worked at Merrill Lynch for five years where she met her husband. She married John Robb of Winona in 1961 and they raised five children Glen, Susan, Holly, Heather and Bruce at their home on Crystal Lake Boulevard.

Joy’s interests grew with her family. She was president of the local Twins Club. Her community involvement continued in the schools and included many positions of leadership; Room Mother for each kid, Playground Supervisor, the PTA at every level, as a management aid for several years working within the school system, introducing the Recreational Reading Program in the Junior High, membership on many school district committees, and working to prevent the multiple school closures that affected the community. This led to her first election to the Robbinsdale school board in 1984. She was elected Chairperson of the Board in 1986. She was elected to her first term as Mayor of Robbinsdale in 1988 and her second term on 1992. As Mayor she was a member of the North Metro Development Association, and the League of Minnesota Cities. One of her many accomplishments was the “Open Mike” period before every meeting when members of the public could address the school board and then the city council. “People always say if you don’t like it, do something about it. That’s what I’m here for, I’m doing something about it. That’s the basic reason I got in, I’m not a politician, I’m one of you.” Joy belonged to many civic organizations including the Minnesota Citizens League, PRISM, Minnesota Center for Women in Government, the Robbinsdale Chamber of Commerce, Robbinsdale Community Council of Citizens Independent Bank and the Crystal Lake Good Samaritan Center. She was a member of the Robbinsdale Charter Commission and the Robbinsdale Historical Society for many years and was also a founding member of the Brunswick United Methodist Church.  She put her whole self into everything she did.

After her retirement she and John enjoyed traveling extensively.  One of their favorite destinations was always St. Augustine Beach, Florida where they had a vacation home for several decades. They enjoyed spending time with their eight grandchildren while cheering on their accomplishments.

After losing John in 2014, Joy moved to Parkshore Senior Apartments where she made many treasured friends. She was especially known for playing bridge, mahjong and doing puzzles. She was a devoted fan of all Minnesota sports teams especially the Vikings. This summer she celebrated her 85 ^th birthday and she enjoyed a family reunion with her children, grandchildren and her brother’s family.

Joy is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband of 54 years John Robb, brother Dean Johnson and many treasured pets.  Survived by cherished children Glen Robb, Susan Robb, Holly McCoy, Heather (Tim) McCollor & Bruce (Jennifer) Robb; grandchildren Alyson, Peyton, Eryn, Adam, Mark, Bailey, Jeremy & John; sister-in-law Patricia Johnson and niece Kathleen Feigelman.

Memorial service 11 AM Monday, January 20 at Brunswick United Methodist Church, 6122 42 ^nd Ave N, Crystal.  Visitation Sunday 3-5 PM at Gearty-Delmore Robbinsdale Chapel, 3888 W. Broadway and at church one hour before Service.  Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.  Memorials preferred to Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County or the Salvation Army.