It is with great sadness that the family of Alina Robertson announces her peaceful passing at home in Victoria on August 31, 2023. Just as she wished, her last months at home were filled with visits and communication with friends and family members.
Alina was born on November 3, 1954 in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario to Maria and John Syposz. She spent a happy childhood growing up on the family market garden with her older brothers Henryk and Benedykt, and a network of family and friends. Alina always made friends easily. She enjoyed meeting people and it was always reciprocated. She loved the many farm animals and pets and especially her horses, Sam & Copper Queen. Alina's pleasure in meeting people and experiencing new things made for a love of travel which was passed on to her children. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors walking and meeting and talking with her neighbours.
An accomplished musician, after graduating from FWCI, Alina studied Music and Education and graduated with a B. Mus. & B. Ed. from Western University, London, Ontario. In 1977 Alina began her teaching career in Terrace Bay, Ontario. In 1979 Alina relocated to Nanaimo, B.C. to take an opportunity to teach music to elementary classes. She taught in the Nanaimo School District until 1986.
In 1985, Alina met her future husband Thomas Robertson. After they married in 1986 Alina relocated to Victoria where they lived happily for their 37 years of marriage. In August, 1987 they welcomed their daughter Stephanie and their son John in May, 1989. Alina took 9 years away from teaching to raise the children, returning to teaching in 1996. Alina taught music and was a substitute teacher in the Victoria School District. Alina retired in 2010, after which she and Tom began their many travels. She also took up lawn bowling at the Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Club where she developed close friendships.
Alina's focus on people, particularly her family and friends, never wavered. She always thought of others, which made her the best partner, the best mother and the best friend. Alina was powerfully maternal, and worked tirelessly at being a great mother. She was incredibly supportive of her children and made every effort to nurture them with the love and support they required to thrive and be happy. She was incredibly proud with their growth into capable, successful and productive adults. She remembered every birthday and holiday and made each a very special celebration. She enjoyed cooking and baking particularly if it was for a special occasion.
Alina faced her final illness with strength, courage, a positive attitude and grace. Her strong faith and attitude of gratitude was an inspiration to all. We are grateful for the spiritual guidance provided by Father William, and for the care provided by the VIHA Community Health, the support of the VIHA Palliative Care Team, the G. F. Strong ALS Centre, and the ALSBC Equipment Loan Program which made it possible for Alina to remain at home for her last months.
Alina is remembered lovingly by her husband, Tom; daughter, Stephanie (Mick); son John (Anna); brother Henryk (Diane); brother Benedykt (Janet); and grandchildren Gwen, Robbie and Darcy; sister-in-law Sandy (Bill); nieces Sandy (Paul); Natalie (Sean); Vicki (Zsolti); Kim; Pamela ; Valerie (Francis); Heather (Ryan); Celine (JK); Laura (Alistair); special Aunt Henryka Nowak, and numerous cousins and their families. She will also be remembered fondly by her many friends made over the course of her life. Her close friends and family were very important to her. She visited, spoke or communicated with many of them in her last months and she was grateful for their love and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, B.C.
Live Streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/2ovqNZxtcIw?feature=share
Recorded for later viewing at: https://youtube.com/live/2ovqNZxtcIw?feature=share
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ALSBC Equipment Fund or the ALSBC Research Fund (ALSBC.CA) or to the charity organization of your choice.
Sunset
I listen for God’s voice
to lead me to the sunset,
a peaceful and serene ending
to a beautiful day
Grant me grace to thrive
among the yellows
the oranges and reds
and every tint and hue that
paint my evening sky
Please God, calm the winds
at the dying of the day
may a placid sky prevail
with peace that transcends
even the wildest storm
The beauty of the sunset
floods my bursting heart
acceptance of the evening
brings ease to say “goodnight”
the bright sky dims and
night wins over day
As morning comes,
my spirit soars
to greet the rising sun
with soul uplifted
I rejoice, giving thanks
for my final sunset and
the promise of
my
beautiful
sunrise
Alina Robertson Sept., 2022
