Robin Lori Ross' Obituary
Robin passed away Sunday evening, September 25th, with her Husband (Michael) of over 32yrs right by her side; Robin was diagnosed with an Extremely rare form of Cancer (LCNEC) earlier this year. The doctor's gave her maybe 6 weeks to live, only if she started the Chemotherapy right away and ONLY 2 weeks if she didn't; Robin wouldn't accept that and decided to go ahead and go through the 12 sessions of Chemotherapy along with immunotherapy, but she also consulted a local medical professional and began to try and beat this horrible Cancer on her own naturally. She was told this form of Cancer is not survivable and The Cancer Treatment Center of America (Atlanta, GA) had NEVER had a patient with this rare form of Cancer and nothing could be done. After researching this disease, we found out that since 1965, ONLY 123 people had been diagnosed with it. At one point, she looked straight at the Doctor and told him; "Don't you dare tell me again there is no cure, I'm tired of everyone saying that to me"! She said, "There is no cure until there IS a cure and I have GOD by my side". Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Robin, knew what type of fighter she was. Sometimes, dynamite comes in small packages, and from looking at how petite she was, you'd NEVER know what type of fighter she was. Robin fought this Disease with everything she had for over 6 months, and finally 4 weeks ago the Cancer took over her body and spread rapidly.
Robin said she was very much at peace with going to see her Lord and Savior as she would be reunited with her Daughter (Brandy Leigh Ross) who she had lost at Christmas time of 1996. The one thing that bothered her the most was leaving her Husband, Children and Grandchildren; along with her mother, brothers and sisters and In-Laws and so many other friends and family members. Robin was a very selfless person and would always take care of others before herself and this was the way it was right to her final days. Robin was released from the hospital after a 3 day stay and sent home under Hospice Care on August 31st (Wednesday). Robin knew her time was short but the month of September was very big for her as her Husband, Son, and Daughter ALL had birthdays during September. Robin decided on Sunday the 4th that she would have a birthday party for ALL of them at her home and celebrate one last time with them together. She made her Husband's favorite Rum Cake, Her Daughter's Carrot Cake, and got her Son a peanut butter ice cream cake. Robin made it through September 4th and then began to worry that it was quite possible she could actually pass on one of their birthdays and she didn't want this to happen. Robin's dates she had in mind were the 9th, 20th, and 24th.........She said if she could just make it through those dates or at least not pass on one of those dates everything would be fine. She didn't want either child or her husband to remember their birthdays with her passing. Robin made it to the 23rd and said just one more day in her very weakened voice. September 24th came and from very early in the morning she was extremely weak and was waiting to see her youngest son on his 25th Birthday, he was coming by after celebrating with his siblings, his wife, and his daughters. In the afternoon, Robin grew very weak and wasn't speaking very much anymore and it was getting later in the day and her son hadn't come by yet. Robin wasn't responding very much to anyone anymore, around 3:45pm, when her youngest son came by and walked in her room; Robin opened her eyes at his presence and in a very Clear Voice said "Happy Birthday Casey". Her son came to her side and gave her a big hug saying, "I Love You Mom" and Robin said "And I Love You Casey". Robin had made it through the dates she needed to get through and she could now be with the Lord. Sunday the 25th came and Robin's Children and Immediate family were notified and showed up one by one to be by her side for comfort as she began to fade. After a very long day and evening; the last of her Children and Family Members left and she was finally alone with who she started this journey with over 32yrs ago (Her Husband Michael). Robin passed Sunday Evening with her Husband by her side holding her hand tightly until her last breath. Robin moved to Lake County Florida almost 30yrs ago with her 2yr old Daughter Colby to join her husband who she had just put through the local police academy to start his journey in Law Enforcement. Robin & Michael grew the family to a total of 6 children (4 girls and 2 boys); Robin rekindled her passion for softball with 2 of her girls (Alexis and Cassidy). Robin began coaching with her friend "Jenny" about 15yrs ago and helped her daughters and many other young Lake County Girls have a great youth as she started one of the first Travel Ball teams in Lake County. You could see Robin 7 days a week working with local young ladies on honing their skills in softball. Robin was most passionate about this and she spent countless hours on the field with her girls, encouraging them to be the best they could and everything else would fall in place as long as they gave it their all as she did everyday. Robin was asked by a close friend to "please" coach a local Sorrento Softball Team, as they had several girls who wanted to play but no coach. Robin was already coaching a travel ball team and thought this may be a little too much to handle, but she didn't want to let ANY young lady down who wanted to learn the sport she loved. Robin did so well with the local Sorrento girl's team, they went undefeated and traveled to state championships for little league and she took her team of 14 year old and under girls all the way to Virginia to play in Nationals and came in second place; She subsequently qualified to take the girls to the Little League World Series in Jensen Beach that year and to our knowledge she took the only team ever from Lake County to the girls softball World Series and they placed 4th overall with over 30+ teams from all over the country. After her daughter Alexis grew out of softball age her attention was focused on her baby girl Cassidy. Cassidy was the apple of her eye as she is so much like her mother with the laser focus on softball and being the best she could be at the sport. Robin would tell you "She's a good little player" and Cassidy worked day and night 7 days a week to improve in the game she loved with her mother. Cassidy was almost always the smallest girl on whatever team she played on but Robin would tell her she would just have to out work, and out hustle everyone else and she would be fine. Dynamite does come in small packages and one of the proudest moments of Robin's life was when Cassidy received a full ride scholarship to play softball. As Cassidy has moved onto college, and Robin began the fight of her life with Cancer, Robin could no longer be out on the field she loved. She promised Cassidy she would be at every game that she could and be her biggest supporter and cheerleader. A couple weeks ago, Cassidy suffered a season ending injury and had to be redshirted for this year. Robin was devastated when she realized that she wasn’t going to see Cassidy play this year and very upset for Cassidy. Cassidy being the positive free spirit she is, just let her mom know it's ok and she would be fine and would work even harder to be better next year. Two days before Robin passed, Cassidy came by the house and watched her college team play live online; It was an extremely joyful experience as you could hear the two of them laughing together and Robin yelling at the screen saying, "she should have got that one"! It brought her right back to her coaching time and it will be a memorable experience Cassidy will never forget, along with the rest of us within earshot of the room that we weren't allowed to enter as they had their time together. Robin was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on July 22, 1967 and is preceded in death by her daughter Brandy Leigh Ross; Robin is survived by her loving husband of 32 plus years; Michael Ross of Leesburg, and her children; Cobly Ross of Tavares, Fl., Michael Ross Jr. of Leesburg, Alexis Ross of Leesburg, Casey Ross of Leesburg and Cassidy Ross of Leesburg, her Mother Marilyn Meek of Eustis, Fl.; Siblings Bonnie Shores of The Villages, Jamie Hawkes of The Villages, Dawn Gondolfo of Haverhill, Ma, Dana Pignato of Woburn, Ma. Tony Samoisette of Hampstead, NH, her in Laws Anthony & Carol Ross of Leesburg, Brother in Law Patrick Shores of The Villages, Sister in Law Kelley Robinson of Methuen, MA, Brother in Law Mark Ross of North Conway, NH, Brother in Law Jimmy Ross of Lawrence, MA, Brother in Law Christoper Ross of Leesburg, and several other aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved Softball Family.
Robin wanted it known that she apologizes to the many people, friends, and family members who wanted to come by and see her but she wanted them to remember her how she was and not how she looked battling this Cancer.
From Robin’s Mom, Marilyn;
Let me tell you about my baby girl; my third child was given to me like an angel from God. She was beautiful in every sense of the word. Growing up with only one parent and no father figure in her life we were extremely close and she Was the kindest, most generous person you could ever meet. She never judged anyone and was always there when I needed her or if anyone else needed her it didn’t matter who it was; it could even be a total stranger that was in need of help and she was right there to lend a hand. Robin was very sick growing up as a child and spent many days and weeks in the hospital and several times I thought I would lose her, but as all things with Robin, she came through it. It's just the fight in herand her character through all things in life. If you knew Robin, at first sight she was very tiny, and you would never know such a small person could have such a huge heart like a lion.
I’ve had ups and downs in my life but through all of it Robin has been there for me. Robin met her soulmate over 30 years ago and raised a beautiful family. During this time she lost her third child, Brandy, who was only 1 1/2 years old. I could see the pain in her eyes but she never let it affect the way she raised her other five children. She has always been there for anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, or just to come by and sit and talk. After she moved to Florida, I missed Robin so much and I mentioned to her that I would like to move back down to Florida from the Boston area to be closer to her, her family, and my other children. Robin immediately began to assist me in the process. Robin was able to rent a large moving truck and she and my grandson Michael Jr flew up to Boston and moved me back down to Florida. Robin drove my car for 24 hours straight to get here only stopping for bathroom breaks. Although I wanted to stop and rest she said she needed to get back home to her children and grandchildren.
In the months to come, she made sure to come by every week to help the long process of unpacking all my things. Robin never complained about this and just wanted to come by and see me and Piper (my dog). Piper was Always excited to see Robin come to the house as she would spend several minutes playing with him upon her arrival and the feeling was mutual with Piper also.
When Robin was diagnosed with cancer late last year I was in shock and couldn’t believe it, but knowing my daughter I truly felt she would beat this horrible disease. Robin has always had faith and during this whole time her faith only got stronger. She said many times if she doesn’t make it then it’s God‘s will and God has a plan for me. She was so selfless; the only thing that bothered her was leaving her family behind. Robin knew exactly where she was going and although she wanted to be reunited with her daughter in heaven the thing that upset her the most was leaving her family behind.
I find myself lost during this last week, I haven’t left the house, I've stayed on the couch or in my room curled up with the beautiful bear that she bought for me last Christmas. When she received a bear like mine from her husband on Mother’s Day, I mentioned to her how much I loved it and Robin being Robin made sure I had one for myself and gave it to me on Christmas.
There is a huge hole in my heart right now and a void in my life and I’m at a loss for words and I don’t know what to do or what to say other than I miss my baby girl. I wish you were still here with us.
Love Mom
From Colby;
From the moment I was born my mom has always been there for me. My mom has always made sure that I had whatever I needed, she did everything she could to buy nice clothes for me and to make sure I had nice things. She was there to teach me how to drive my first car, and she was always there to help guide me through life. Whenever I needed to talk to her or ask her for advice she was always there to give it to me. My mom helped me through all of my pregnancies with love and support.
Some of the things that my wonderful mom took pleasure in helping me with were with my houses. She helped me pick out the colors for my walls and the beds for my kids. Mom loved gardening and always helped me with it and taught me how to do it her way.
She was always there for her grandchildren who she loved so very much. If my kids needed help with their homework, she was there to offer help and teach them ways to make learning easier. If I needed to cry she was there for me, whether it was to just listen or to give advice and solutions. My kids will miss everything that they did with their grandma, and I will miss her so very much. Thank you Mom for everything, you taught me everything I need to know and more. I love you mom; I'll see you again one day again in heaven ❤️
Love Colby
From Michael Jr;
For me, my mom was my best friend, she got me through a lot. I was extremely depressed in my earlier days from 17-20 years old, and at one point she found me during an attempt on my life, and she saved me. She was there for me through a lot of heartbreak and was a very amazing person in general to talk to. We watched a lot of shows together and we bonded over “Smallville” the TV series with Clark Kent/Superman. We would both get a tad bit annoyed by every villain always having kryptonite in every episode. My mom gave me a lot of good advice on many things that I should have listened to. She listened to me on my rants and raves, daily and weekly, and never passed judgment on me . I’ll always miss her, and I will always miss the memories we had of me growing up to my current age of 28 . For me, this is not a funeral, but a celebration of how mom lived and how she impacted her community.
Love Mikey
From Alexis;
Mom..I don’t know how I am up here speaking in front of all these people , I am the worst talker and speech giver, but knowing that you would want this, I sucked it up and here I am. I never thought there would be a day where you wouldn’t be here in this world. I have so many memories with you it’s hard to pick just one to talk about. You have taught me so much in my 26 years being on this earth and it’s hard for me to move on without you in my life. I was considered your “wild child” , the one to look out for when I was younger. I kept you on your toes most of my teenage life and looking back I wish I could take back every bad memory you had of me and turned it into something good. You never left my side no matter what I did to push you away. You were truly my saving grace. You loved and hated the fact that I had a very outspoken personality, it either helped me or it did not but when it came to protecting my family I was your child that would never let anybody disrespect you. Especially at our softball games when you dare question an umpire on the field and you made sure they knew they were wrong on a play, I would be right next to you making sure my 5’1 blonde curly haired mama was good. I was also the child you loved to go shopping with because you thought my taste in decor or clothing was better than all my siblings and what I can I say other than agree with how right you truly were. You were my #1 fan at every softball game , you were an amazing coach to me and I am so happy you got the chance to teach Cassidy the sport that we both love. I will make sure I am her #1 fan like you were mine. I have so much to say but not enough time to say it but just know I got it from here mommy , thank you for being such an amazing person. I am so thankful I got the time I did with you. I love you to the moon and back.
Love Alexis
From Casey;
Dear mom, there hasn’t been one day so far that I haven’t thought of you. I can hear your voice telling me advice that you’ve given me over and over in my head. It’s so hard to believe you are really gone. You were perfect in every way. You taught me that even though life may get tough you can always turn to god for help. You remained faithful and trusted in God's plan until the very end. Seeing your faith regardless of how bad the cancer spread has restored mine. You would spend countless hours on the phone with me on my long 20+ hour drives when I would still work on the road. If I called you there was nothing that would take you away from giving me your full attention. You were almost never the first one to hang up the phone unless you either had to go to the bathroom or go to bed and even then you would set your alarm for the next morning at 5 am specifically to make sure I made it through the drive. When I first found out about your diagnosis and that there was no cure I was working alone in the penthouse of a boiler in Massachusetts and I remember filling my full face respirator with tears for the rest of my shift. Eventually after another month or two I was finally back home ready to enjoy our long awaited two week vacation together. Against all odds and regardless of the pain you dealt with you still endured and made the most out of the time god has given you. I genuinely enjoyed every conversation we had together and how you would really care about every word I said. Then you would tell me what you think to help me overcome the obstacles I faced or the pain I was about to feel when you passed. You told me that everything was going to be okay because you will always be there in my heart. I feel your presence everywhere I go. I can hear you tell me to put down the Mountain Dew cause it’s bad for me or that I need to be there for dad and my siblings because they need me. Your death has left such a big hole that seems impossible to fill. You cared about everyone and truly invested your time into each person that came along in your life, you never held grudges, and you accepted everyone for who they were inside and out. You wanted for nothing and gave everything. There wasn’t one event that you couldn’t make feel special. Even after I moved out to start my own life I knew that whenever I’d come back to see you I’d be home. Don’t worry mom, we will be there for Dad. I love you ❤️
Love Casey
From Cassidy;
For those who knew me and my mom, you would know that we were inseparable. Not only did we share the love of softball but she was my absolute best friend. I believe that I was and still am the luckiest person on earth to have gotten to spend the amount of time I did with my mom. I know 19 years sounds so little compared to 50 years that we could’ve gotten. But in those 19yrs I learned so much from this tiny woman with the poofy hair.
My mom was one of those people that no matter what would always do the right thing. The kind of person we identify today as being a “saint”. Any chance my mom got to do the right thing she would. The amount of teammates she took in as one of their own, or paid for their entire travel season so they could get the chance to play softball in front of coaches, she would pay for the girls food and hotel rooms because she knew they couldn’t afford it, she would pay for the girls school clothes and any new equipment they needed. And I would always ask her why? Why do that? And every time she would say the same thing, “because Cassidy, it’s the right thing to do, and if I have the money to give back and help these girls to have a good life I'm gonna do it”. She always tried to do the right thing and was an amazing role model in my life. One time me and my mom were on the way from practice and we were hungry so we stopped by a Wawa. I was so tired and hungry that I completely forgot to pay for the sandwich I had just gotten. Me and my mother realized this half way back to our house, so she made me keep the receipt and the next practice when we stopped by that Wawa we went in and paid for that sandwich we had accidentally stolen. These are the kind of lessons my mom would teach me. But one thing she would make sure to tell me every day is this single quote: It’s not the SIZE of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the FIGHT in the dog.
My mom was my biggest fan, and spent every day telling me to work hard and trust in god and my dreams will become reality. Every now and then we would go to the cages and I would hit and field buckets and buckets of balls. During this time I would get my anger out and vent to my mother and even sometimes we would argue and that usually resulted in her hitting the balls even harder to me while I tried to field them from 10 ft away. But this was our special time together, when mom got sick she wasn’t able to go to the field a lot. It would drain her and it was hard for her to be out in the heat like that. But one day she said, “let’s go to the field, I’m feeling strong today”. So of course I said okay. That day we went to the field and I watched my mom's eyes light up with joy as she beamed balls at me. That day we laughed and worked but most importantly enjoyed our time together. If I knew that was going to be the last time we would go to the cages I would’ve cherished it a lot more. I want our story to be a lesson to mothers and daughters out there. That there will be times that you want to scream and yell at each other, but to always remember that your mom is your biggest fan, she truly wants the best for you. And is the only person that is only doing right by you. So today, I just ask that you hold your mother tight for me, because you never know when you're not gonna be able to kiss, hug, or talk to your mom for the very last time.
Love Cassidy
What’s your fondest memory of Robin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robin?
Share a story where Robin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robin you’ll never forget.
How did Robin make you smile?
