In Loving Memory of Robin Marie Zinola
Robin Marie ZinolaIt is with deep sadness that the family of Edward P. Zinola announces the passing of his loving wife, Robin Marie Johnstone Zinola. Surrounded by family on February 25, 2007, Robin passed away peacefully from complications following a medical procedure, in Chula Vista, California.
Robin was born on September 1, 1925, in San Jose, California, and grew up in Santa Clara. She graduated from Santa Clara High School and attended San Jose State College. When Robin met Ed, the love of her life, in 1946, she probably had little idea that this adventure would take her the world over for many years to come. Ed was in the Navy Reserves and beginning his career with Aramco. Their travels began domestically, first in San Francisco and then to New York. Robin then found herself in Holland which first brought beautiful twin daughters (quite the surprise, since only one child was expected). Two years later, while still in Holland, a handsome son was born and then Saudi Arabia brought a new baby girl. They had another few years in Holland and New York and then one more stint in Saudi with Aramco.
Robin enjoyed her many years as an Aramco wife. She was very active in the tennis group; among the best on the court. The consummate hostess, Robin thoroughly enjoyed entertaining Aramco friends over the years and was sure that her children learned all of the social graces necessary to follow suit. Robin also loved to travel, so she and Ed took advantage of the long Aramco vacations and took the family around the world. All four of their children have fond memories of their travels to places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy, Spain, the Far East, Bali, Indonesia and even Eastern Europe before it was really open to the West. Another thing Robin loved to do was shop and not "just to buy things", but to "make a memory". Not only did she have a collection of dolls from the many countries she had visited, but you can walk through Ed and Robin's home and she could tell you from which country they purchased almost any piece of furniture, collectible, artwork or jewelry. And each piece has its own unique story.
Robin had a full and exciting life that sounds very exotic, but she will most importantly be remembered as a loving wife, mom and grandma. She was a woman of determination with a wonderful sense of humor and a real sense of adventure. At the age of 79, Robin even took a computer class! Just 2 weeks before Robin's death, she and Ed joyfully shared their 60th Wedding Anniversary in their home with all of their children and grandchildren. It's hard to imagine life without Robin here with us. We will all miss her very much. But we have many, many happy memories!
Robin is survived by her husband, Edward P. Zinola; three daughters, Leslie Ann Bosch and husband David of McLean, VA, Liza Zinola Webb and Lauren Ann Zinola and partner Vicky Noddings of Chula Vista, CA; one son, E. Peter Zinola, Jr. and wife Chandra of McLean, VA; four granddaughters, Aniesa Bosch Brassil and husband Eric of Wellington, New Zealand, Alyssa Marie Webb, Erica Victoria Noddings-Zinola and Kayla Ann Noddings-Zinola of Chula Vista, CA; and two grandsons, Jonathan David Bosch of McLean, VA and Ryan Alden Webb of Chula Vista, CA. Robin is also survived by her brother David Quintin Johnstone and sister-in-law Barbara of Boise, ID.
A graveside service for Robin will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. In honor of Robin's sense of high style and fashion, we will be wearing bright colors that she so loved. Please join us in celebrating her life. Details for the service can be found on the website below.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Zinola Family
506 Montera Court
Chula Vista, CA 91910
zinola@sbcglobal.net