SPOONER, SUZANNE ROBISON
Suzanne Robison Spooner, of Phoenix Arizona, passed away at home on November 28, 2020, surrounded by family.
Suzanne was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on September 7, 1944. At the time, her mother, Marion “Nan” Robison was living with her parents in Alexandria while her father, Bob John Robison, was serving in the Pacific as a naval aviator. Suzanne would later acquire a love of travel, partly as a consequence of frequent moves related to her father’s naval career. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She would spend the next decade raising her daughter and son, while actively volunteering with a number of organizations, with a focus on children.
Later, she would successfully translate her many volunteer activities into a long and productive career in the educational and charitable field, most notably with George Washington University and the University of Maryland, concluding her career at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, where she combined her gift for fund-raising with her passion for the health and welfare of children.
Above all, Suzanne was a dedicated and devoted mother, daughter and sister, and, later, adoring grandmother. Following her retirement, Suzanne moved to Phoenix, to be near her son and his family. Over the next several years, she would spend many happy months living in Rome, Italy, to be with her daughter Raney and son-in-law Dario Mellini. She was also a cherished friend to many, all of whom will miss her dearly.
Suzanne is survived by her brother, Robert Robison (Barbara) of Darien, CT; daughter, Raney Mellini (Dario) of Rome, Italy; and her son, William Webb (Cara) of Phoenix, AZ, grandson Gunnar Webb, as well as her nephews and niece.
Suzanne is preceded in death by her father (Bob John Robison) and mother (Marion). In lieu of flowers, contributions in Suzanne’s memory can be made to the Barrow Neurological Foundation or All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Phoenix, AZ.
Mother,
We will always love you. We will miss you everyday for the rest of our lives.
Love Always, Wil, Cara, and Gunnar.
Mamma, I will love and miss you forever. You were my first best friend and the best mother a daughter could ever wish for. Always your daughter, Raney xx
I am so sorry to hear of Suzanne’s death. We had many happy times at the Alexandria, including picnics on the beach. I had never met anyone who could make a picnic seem like a 5 course meal at a fancy resort!
My condolences to Will and Raney.
Far too young. She was a vibrant force of nature and a friend to many. She will be missed.
I am devastated to find notice of the passing of my dear friend Suzanne. Our friendship, dating from the days of being navy wives right up to visits in Rome and Phoenix, will never be forgotten. For me, Suzanne lives on.