Theresa Luna Robinson

Theresa ("Terry") Robinson passed away peacefully on August 29 after a life full of love, laughter, joy, strength and resilience. She was born in the small town of Polvadera, NM on March 15, 1927, to parents Margarita Sanchez and Luciano Luna, the ninth of eleven children. She was proud of her Luna family, Spanish heritage and quaint hometown. She returned there often for family visits, holidays and celebrations.

Coming from humble beginnings and growing up on a small farm, her whole world changed at the age of 16 when she and her family moved to the "big city" of San Francisco during the war. She found her first day at a new school with over 400 students a little daunting, but she quickly made friends and graduated high school in 1946. After the war, she and her big sister, Tomasita, rented an apartment and stayed in San Francisco, where they enjoyed the single life, "Big Band" concerts, and going to dances.

She worked as a cashier in a movie theater and caught the eye of handsome sailor, Jim Robinson, when she sold him a movie ticket in October 1947. They shared a short whirlwind romance, and he sadly "left his heart in San Francisco" when his ship returned to sea for 12 months. Their courtship continued through phone calls and love letters until he returned in 1948 and asked her to be his beautiful wife and lifetime partner.

Terry and Jim were married in Long Beach, California in 1949 and shared a loving and lasting marriage. Their journey began with a move to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Terry worked part-time and her mother-in-law taught her how to cook Jim's favorite meals and desserts. They welcomed their firstborn, daughter Dane, in 1952.

After four years of cold winters and missing her family, they moved to New Mexico in 1953, where Jim began his career at Sandia National Labs and Terry continued her treasured role as a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Two years later, they purchased their forever home where they welcomed daughter Lisa in 1956 and son James in 1958. Their journey continued enjoying life and each other, and raising their family.

Terry was a warm and caring wife and mother. As "CEO" of the Robinson household, she took great pride in stretching each paycheck and often did without to meet her family's needs and be there for her children. She raised them with a love that showed them they were never alone, gave them strength and guidance to each forge their own path, and celebrated all of their successes. When her work was done, she enjoyed her retirement years shopping with friends, going to the movies, sharing dinner dates with her "Jimbo", and taking family trips.

Terry cherished her role as a grandma and great-grandmother, welcoming three grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. She was known and loved as "Mema", and she treasured every moment with them. She loved us all and enjoyed celebrating birthdays, special occasions, and holiday traditions each year with her growing family. Her favorite occasions were her surprise 50 wedding anniversary party and 95 birthday celebration.

Terry was an inspiration to us all and taught us how to face and accept life's challenges and losses. She shared a special mother-son bond with her only son, James. He adored her, and they loved each other deeply. At age 80, she bravely and quietly mourned his loss with courage, strength and faith.

She lived simply, loved generously and cared deeply. She shared a unique and special relationship with each of her siblings and enjoyed sharing memories, milestone birthdays, holidays, trips and family reunions with her Luna family. She was loved and cherished by three generations of nieces and nephews in New Mexico, California, Colorado and Texas.

At 98, she was joyfully reunited with her parents; all her siblings; her beloved son James; and her loving spouse of 72 years, Jim (Merril) Robinson. Her loving and lasting legacy includes daughters Dane Weiler and Lisa Robinson; her grandsons Brent Nail, Shane Robinson, Cody Robinson; and seven great-grandchildren - Dominick, Isaack, Alayna, Ava, Kenzy, Kayce and Skylar.