Robin was born October 20, 1959 in Medina. She passed from this life into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at home in San Antonio, Texas, after a battle with cancer.
She is survived by her loving husband of over 27 years, Paul, and their son, Jonathan Giese of San Antonio; her father and stepmother, Ronald and Esther Svoboda, Medina; stepsister, Karen Westphal (Gary) Sandberg and their sons, Daniel and Stefn Sandberg of Gahanna, Ohio; nephews, Derick Deioma and Justin Workman; niece, Madeline Svoboda; her former sister-in-law, Dana Svoboda-Brodnick; uncles, Mark and Wayne Svoboda; aunts, Marliese Leggett and Connie Latzke; step uncle and aunt, Bill and Sue Lucht; along with cousins and step cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Else (Latzke) Svoboda in 1977; sister, Susan Lynn Svoboda in 1964; and her brother, Brian Jon Svoboda in 2006; her grandparents, Earl and Johanna Svoboda and Reinhard and Margaret Latzke; aunt, Faith; uncle, Ken Eiserlo; aunt, Sally Svoboda; uncles, Richard Leggett and Paul Latzke.
Robin was a 1978 graduate of Cloverleaf Sr. High School, Lodi, with honors. She attended Capital University, Columbus, her freshman year before transferring to Texas Lutheran University, Sequin, Texas, from which she graduated with honors in 1982, with a B.A. in Communication Arts. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling, with honors from St. Mary’s University in 1990. Robin worked as Admissions Counselor at St. Mary’s University from 1982-1984. From 1985-1986, she was Admissions Counselor at University of the Incarnate Word. She worked at the Minnie Stephens Piper Foundation as scholarship coordinator for Bexar County scholarship recipients, from 1986-1996. From 2001-2010, she was Director of Guidance at San Antonio Christian Schools. She received an award from Texas A&M University as the Very Important Counselor for 2006.
Robin was active in Bible Study Fellowship for 10 years, serving on the Leadership Team for Bible Study Fellowship for two and a half years. She was a member of River City Community Church, Selma, Texas. Robin enjoyed singing, knitting, volunteering for her churches, both in Medina and in Texas and at Trinity Christian Academy, hiking and camping, and especially loved playing games with her family and friends. Robin enjoyed adventure, meeting new people, seeing new places. She was mature in her faith, desiring to go even deeper, spreading the Gospel. She loved to have fun, a real cut-up. She was beautiful inside and out. Family and friends were extremely important to her.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 2 P.M., at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 400 N. Broadway, Medina. Calling hours will start at 1 P.M.
Donations may be made to the St. Matthew Lutheran Memorial Fund.