Nancy Hanna Robinson, 90

We celebrate the life of Nancy Hanna Robinson who “moved on from this world” on Jan. 24, 2015.  

As Nana, Mother and friend to so many, she will be missed for her loving, caring and giving way. With her warm heart and beautiful smile, her life was an ongoing testimonial to her quiet faith and boundless love.

She served her community and extended family in numerous ways. Nancy was the co-founder/leader of the Flathead High School Dance/Drill team, the Akekowans. She was a cradle Episcopalian and longtime member of Christ Church Kalispell. She was a facilitator for Flathead CARE. She co-chaired The United Way with her husband, Cal, and together they were recipients of The Great Chief Award.

Nancy was born June 16, 1924, in Burlington, Vermont, to Marion and Phillip Hanna. She was raised in Hinsdale, Illinois, and while attending Northwestern University, she met Cal Robinson. While he served in the Navy during World War II, they corresponded often and, in spite of the limitations of war-time mail, they widened and deepened their relationship. When Cal returned to the states, Nancy met him in Kalispell, after taking the train from Chicago, and they were married Dec. 13, 1945. And so began her lifelong love affair with Montana.

From hikes in Glacier Park to swimming the path of the moon with her children on Flathead Lake, she was a Montanan to her very core. She loved all things Montana including the Montana Grizzlies (she would sing the “Grizzly Fight Song” at the drop of a hat) and the Montana State Bobcats (because her son Bruce played for them). Nancy loved sports, as both participant and spectator — from her Chicago White Sox to the Flathead Braves; golfing, skiing, horseback-riding, tennis and swimming. She made a mean “Salmon-wiggle,” entertained her children and grandchildren with “The Crocodile Song” and was best known for her rendition of “The Vegetable Dance.” She loved all genres of music and possessed a beautiful singing voice. She sang “The National Anthem” with gusto and always carried the third in last stanza. She taught us show tunes and encouraged our musical education through piano and voice lessons. Through our varied artistic endeavors, she was always there supporting us. And she always cried sweet tears when her son Terry sang ”Harvest Time.”

To know Nancy, one need look no further than the words of friends and family:

“Nancy was a woman with a deep and personal relationship with God, a relationship she intentionally nurtured each day of her life. She was a gracious woman with a gentle dignity and full of grace. She carried a basket of rainbows and handed them out like candy. A role model to all who knew her. Fiercely loyal and loving to her husband, family and friends, she left us all a legacy in How To Live.”

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Cal; son, Terry; sisters, Elizabeth Miller and Barbara Englebert; and one brother, Phillip Hanna.

Nancy is survived by sons, Bruce Robinson and Sandi of Spokane, and Doug Robinson and Marla of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter, Beth Robinson of Kalispell; brother-in-law, Robert “Ty” Robinson of Missoula; sister-in-law, Marcia Hanna of Lake Oswego, Oregon; grandchildren, Shea Robinson and Lindsay, Shawn Robinson and Sarai, Stephanie Robinson and Chauncey Allison; great-grandchildren, Summer, Conner, Craig, Abigail, Grace, Calvin III, Terry, Kayla and Avery; nieces, Amanda Englebert and Susan Miller; and nephews, John Robinson, Laird Robinson, Mark Hanna and John Hanna. In addition, she is survived by her loving and supportive group of Care Bears, Beverly Braig, Alison Schmaltz, Cathy McDevitt, Carla Heintz, Patti Ormiston, Kathy Fischer, Kay Hopkins, Kathleen Hayden and Carol Halcro.

Our family extends our thanks and appreciation to the staff of Buffalo Hill Terrace, Immanuel Lutheran Skilled Care Center and Home Options Hospice for their loving care. The Rev. Joan Grant has our gratitude for her faithful attention to Nancy's spiritual needs.

A memorial service is planned for later this summer.

Memorials can be made to Christ Church Episcopal, 215 Third Ave. E., Kalispell MT 59901, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.