Susan Elise Simmons Robinson

Susan Elise Simmons Robinson, 52, of Continental Lane, New Castle, died Sunday, May 13, 2012 at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was born September 15, 1959 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts a daughter of Edward Lockley Dartford of Stockbridge, MA and Judith Elise Maskell Dartford of New Castle. Susie lived her life as it came to her - with great enthusiasm, enjoyment and perseverance. Her career goals led her to education in the surveyors’ field and nature photography. In the nursing field, she had surgical, wound and burn special- care training. Her love of wildlife and horticulture led her to a life in Alaska where her daughters were born, and years rich with incredible wildlife and natural beauty. Her children were the apples of her eyes. She loved her children fiercely, and was a compassionate, caring mother, adamant in her desire for them to be all and the best they could be as teenagers and young adults. Susie had a great sense of humor, was lighthearted and brave in the face of her adversities, and could find a way to prompt a smile from herself and others. Sue was a sister to go to the ends of the Earth for, and she was appreciative of the comfort and help they gave her in her last years. Her brother and father were the rocks she leaned against, and aspired her sons to emulate. Susie's mother was her center - from her she got her creativity, her generosity and enthusiasm for living. Susie and her mother shared the special distinction of sitting for a Norman Rockwell painting in their hometown of Stockbridge, MA. She will be sorely missed and remembered with much affection, love and smiles.

She is survived by four children, Megan Elise Couter Santella of Kingsport, TN, Charlotte Lauren Simmons of Bradenton, FL, Raymond W. A. Robinson and Dillon G. Robinson, both of New Castle, one brother, David W. Dartford and his wife Debbie of Houston, TX, two sisters, Elizabeth A. Barter and her husband Rick of Bradenton, FL, and Sandra L. Dartford Conti and her husband Joseph of New Castle, one granddaughter, Asaya Elise Couter, her step-mother, Nancy Simonson Dartford, her former first husband, Kelvin ‘Jake’ Simmons of McComb, MS and her second husband, Raymond E. Robinson, Jr. of Bradenton, FL, eight nieces and nephews and five step-sisters and brothers.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Anita & Arthur Maskell and Janice & Gerald Dartford,her aunt, Josephine McEntee, and one nephew, Michael A. Mikkanen.

Visitation will be held at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue on Friday, May 18, 2012 from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the William F. DeCarbo Memorial Chapel. Pastor Steve Mikulski of New Life Baptist Church will be officiating.