Elizabeth J. Robinson

GUILDERLAND – Elizabeth “Betty” J. Robinson, 93, of Guilderland, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Betty was born in Albany, the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth Smith Fitzsimmons. She lived in Albany until moving to Guilderland in 1958 and was a graduate of the Cathedral Academy class of 1948. She was employed by Niagara Mohawk, National Commercial Bank, and by Dr. James Furlong before working as a bookkeeper in her husband Don’s Hardware Store in Guilderland. She was a founding member of Christ the King Church, and a dedicated volunteer with St. Peter’s Hospital Auxiliary, volunteering in the hospital gift shop for twenty years. 

Betty was predeceased by her loving husband Don, her daughter Donna Fink, her daughters-in-law Jacqueline and Sandra Robinson, and her son-in-law Roy Fink.  She is survived by her four cherished children and their spouses: Michael Robinson of Vero Beach, FL, Garry and Nancy Robinson of Guilderland, Mariann and Stephen Vagianelis of Guilderland, and Amy and John Bourdeau of Winchester, MA. Betty also leaves her eleven devoted grandchildren: Philip and Ethan Robinson, and Megan Griffin; Judd (Sara), Jenna, and Jillian Robinson; Troy and Alexis Vagianelis; and Emma, Abigail, and Charlie Bourdeau; her great grandchildren Katelyn, Austin, Rylin, Tanner, and Jack; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law James and Doris Robinson; and her nieces and nephew Linda, Sam (Kelly), and Dawn Vavala.   She was also predeceased by her sister Joan Vavala and her brother Walter Fitzsimmons.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff and nurses of the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center for the loving care they provided to Betty.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday morning at 10:00 am in Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church prior to the mass beginning at 9:00 am. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. The family suggests contributions in lieu of flowers to the Christ the King Church Building Fund, 20 Sumpter Ave., Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.