Robyn McKenney
Salem — Robyn Mary McKenney died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Aug. 18, 1964, in Burlington, Vt., to Lynne and Gary Sullivan. Robyn’s free spirit and infectious personality were apparent from a young age. In school, Robyn excelled through hard work and dedication. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in elementary education in 1986. The following year, she married her beloved husband, Hugh.
In 1995, Hugh and Robyn moved to the town of Salem with their children, where Robyn chose to stay at home to raise their family. Robyn could be seen barreling down the hill in their yard on snow days and instigating “whirlpools” in the pool during the summer, always with a neighborhood of smiling children in tow. Her home was filled with laughter, warmth and color during the holidays and she always had a smile or words of encouragement for her children and their friends. Still, during this time, she became an active member of the community, and went on to serve on both the Board of Selectmen and as chairperson for the Board of Education for several years.
While raising her children, Robyn worked diligently to receive her master’s degree in education technology. In addition to devoting time to her family and community, after completing her degree, she spent much of her time sharing her passion for technology with her students and fellow educators. During this time, she influenced countless young people as a teacher, mentor and friend.
Robyn never stopped giving of herself to help her students and continued to teach webinars even during her hospitalization. Her home and heart were always open, and the world remains a brighter place for her being in it.
Robyn is survived by her husband, Hugh; her children, Tess, Bryanna and Jay; her brothers, Tom and Jay; and her parents, Lynne and Gary Sullivan.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 with a funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Robyn will be buried in a private ceremony.
As Robyn was a lifelong learner whose passion was inspiring curiosity and innovative thinking in children, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Waterford High School Scholarship Fund in her name. The family requests that checks be made out to the Waterford High School Scholarship Fund, memo: “Robyn McKenney Scholarship.” Mail to Waterford High School (ATTN: Kirk Samuelson) 20 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385.