October 30, 1954 - March 5, 2025
Visitation
Friday, March 28th from 5-7 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home
Robin Sue (Rappaport) Kelly passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. She'll rest in the company of loved ones who have gone before her: parents Sylvia and Sydney Rappaport, sister Linda Wilkins, brother in law Ralph Speer, parenting partner Larry Kelly, and a litter of cats and dogs. Pieces of her live on in her sister Bonnie Speer; children Amanda and Jeremy Groscost, Abby and Thomas Knapke, Sarah Kelly and Joe Woods, Steve Kelly, Tim Kelly, and Andrea Kelly; grandsons James, Gavin, and Micah; nieces and nephews Brett, Shawn, Raechel, and Michele and their families; feline companions Chip and Milo; and countless friends and chosen family members.
The youngest of three girls, Robin was raised in Flushing, Queens and West Caldwell, New Jersey. After graduating from James Caldwell High School in 1972, Robin moved with her parents to Florida, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Teaching from Florida Atlantic University. She taught in Florida before making her way to Maryland, where she met and married Bryan Lauzau and his daughters Amanda and Adrienne in 1984. They moved to Ohio in 1985, where she and Amanda became a family of two. Robin married Larry Kelly and his sons Steve and Tim and daughter in law Andrea in 1995. The family was complete when they welcomed long-awaited twins Abigail and Sarah in 1999.
Robin's open, welcoming smile and generous spirit drew in everyone she met. Her favorite place to be was in the company of family and friends. She loved to paint and write, and she never met a flower she didn't love. While Robin tried a variety of professional pursuits, she always came back to children - teaching and nurturing were her passion and her effortless talent. Robin saw the very best in world and the people in it, and the lives of those she touched are forever changed.
Calling hours in celebration of Robin's life will take place on Friday, March 28 from 5-7pm at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E Schrock Rd, Westerville, OH 43081. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Colony Cats and Dogs (colonycats.org), or a contribution to the cost of a dinner for local unhoused people served in her memory at Manna Cafe (reach out to daughters Sarah, Abby, or Amanda to donate).
Condolences
Linda Parliament - Mar 11, 2025
My deepest condolences on your loss. Praying for comfort ànd strength at this time. God bless the family.
Jeff Mason - Mar 11, 2025
Robin was a great neighbor who live in the same apartment building. She always had a big smile and loved to talk and encourage me. She always asked about my adopted sons. They had a special place in her heart. Two of my sons would help Robin by taking out her used cat litter. She always wanted to pay them but they would do it out of love and respect. She will be deeply missed. She was the best neighbor anyone could ask for.
Sam MItchell - Mar 11, 2025
Robin was one of the sweetest people I have ever crossed paths with~ a more genuine and generous person I have never met. As the best friend of my wife Randi (since they were teenagers) Robin never made me feel like a "third wheel" when we hung out, and always went out of her way to make me feel welcome and special. She was a very rare individual and one-of-a-kind personality for sure; she will be thought of often with much love in my heart. Sending out my heartfelt condolences and good vibes to Robin's family here- Rest in Peace my friend.