Elaine M. “Penny” Robey
Long time Needham resident and volunteer
Surrounded by her family, Elaine M. “Penny” (Coyne) Robey passed away quietly at BID Glover Hospital in the early morning hours of Friday, April 13, 2007.
Penny was born in Worcester MA, to Charlie and Ella Coyne but spent her childhood in Newton graduating from Newton High School in 1938. After attending clothing design school in Boston, the following years were spent in New York City. After WWII Penny returned to Newton to raise a family.
Penny and her family moved to Needham in the early 1950’s and she has resided here ever since. Once her family was complete, Penny embarked on a volunteer career of helping others. In addition to many years of visiting with patients at Medfield State Hospital and serving with the local chapter of the Florence Crittenton League, Penny was involved as a parent volunteer with all levels of the Needham Public School system. She served on school PTCs, the NHS Booster Club and the original teen center. She was active in her final volunteer activity at the Needham Senior Center until just a few years ago. In addition to her own commitment to volunteerism, Penny’s example left an imprint on her children and her grandchildren to continue this tradition.
Penny leaves her children Paul and his wife, Jeanne; Phil and his wife, Allie; Patricia and her husband, Jim Cruickshank; and Sue Anne Biasizzo all of Needham; Faith and her husband, Gary Benson of San Diego CA; and Marti and her husband, Bob Mahoney of Billerica MA. Penny was also the mother of Mary Beth Robey who passed away as an infant. Penny leaves 13 grandchildren: Lisa, Mike, Kate, Kelly, Jenny, Ian, Steve, Nicole, Phil, Chris, Rob, Casey and Brian; and 9 great grandchildren: Eddie, Caitlin, Declan, Molly, Jack, Megan, Emma, Will, and James. Besides her immediate family Penny leaves her cousin and virtual sister, Jane Nozzolillo of Grafton MA, cousins Rich and Frank Raymond; her God daughter, Judith Elaine Robey; nephews John and Joel Robey; and niece, Jodee Robey Thompson.
The family expresses their gratitude and thanks to the friends and staff at Briarwood Health Care and Beth Israel Deaconess Glover Hospital for their wonderful treatment and care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tues April 17 at 10 AM in St. Bartholomew Church Needham. Interment will follow at Needham Cemetery. Visiting hours will be in the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave. Needham on Mon from 4-8 PM.
Memorial donations may be made to the Needham Community Council, 51 Lincoln St., Needham MA 02492; the Charles River ARC, 59 East Militia Heights Rd., Needham MA 02492; or to a charity of your choice.