Robyn Annette Sullivan, 74, passed away Tuesday, February 5, surrounded by family at home. Robyn was born in Christchurch, New Zealand to the late Joan and Cecil Dawson. Raised in the South Island, in the sheep country, she moved to Dunedin to enter Teachers College at Otago University where she met her beloved husband. They were married in 1964, moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and, were blessed by the arrival of the first son Samuel in 1966. In 1972, they moved to Paris, France. Twins Robert and David joined the family in 1981. The family moved to Gainesville in 1983 where they spent some of the happiest times. In 2004, she was naturalized as a United States Citizen.
Robyn was an active member of the University of Florida French club, the Gainesville Garden Club and was especially attached to her “stitching circle”. She was fond of making items with her hands including handmade “blankies” and christening gowns for her grandchildren who were a great blessing to her in her later years. Gardening was a favorite activity with a love of nature and the unique Florida environment — native trees were her garden. She has traveled the world from Eastern Europe to China and Japan strengthening her understanding and respect for different cultures and societies that left her with a broad range of friends she always fondly remembered. Raised Anglican, she was largely non-religious after leaving New Zealand but instilled a firm sense of doing right by others and love for all people in her children.
She is survived by her husband Neil Sullivan of Gainesville, sons Samuel of Gainesville, Robert (Ashley) of Green Cove Springs, and David (Rachel) of Katy, Texas, granddaughter (Ella), and grandsons (Grayson, Henry, and Jameson).
A memorial service to honor Robyn’s life will be held Friday February 15, 2019 at 2pm at the Milam Funeral Home in Newberry, Florida. 22405 West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Alachua County Pink Heals 1949 NE 27th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609
