Mary Francis Robishaw

mary robishaw

April 14, 1945 ~ May 16, 2018

Mary Kandee Francis Robishaw (Lazzara), age 73, passed away at her home in Madison, Ohio, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. She was born on April 14, 1945 in Buffalo, New York to Salvatore and Elizabeth (Colicchia) Lazzara. Mary attended Mount Saint Mary High School in Kenmore, NY before earning her BS from Buffalo State College in Buffalo, NY. On September 16, 1967, she married Ronald Lee Robishaw, of Buffalo, NY. Together they had three children. Mary and Ron enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends. Mary founded Stepping Stones Child Development Center in 1982 and served as owner and director for 35 years. There she made an everlasting impact on the children of Northeast Ohio. Some favorite moments in her life were spent following her grandchildren all over the country to visit, love and support her grandchildren in their sport competitions; gardening; spending time on the beach; and working for the betterment of childrens services and education. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Ron; two sons, Chris (Laurie), Brian (Tonya) and daughter Corey; four grandchildren (Tessa, Elizabeth, Drennan and Luca); and several nieces and nephews. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her sisters Kathleen Abate (Lazzara) of Greenville, SC; Charleen Burgio (Lazzara) of Wimauma, FL; and brother Sam Lazzara of Fremont, CA. Friends will be received on Sunday May 20th from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, OH 44057. Mass of Christian Burial and Committal will be held in private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5786 Heisley Road, Mentor, Ohio 44060. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com

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  1. To all of the Robishaw and Lazzara families, we are so sad for your loss. May your many beautiful memories of Kandee keep her in your heart always.

  2. Soo sorry for your loss. Enjoyed my conversations with Kandee at Stepping Stones. Thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort.

  3. Ron and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Many memories over the years. We are out of town and will miss the services but you will be in our prayers. Michael and Judy Hall.

  4. I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Both my older children (now 29 and 28 yrs) and my younger children (14 and 9 yrs) attended Stepping Stones. Kandee was such a caring person. No one could ever doubt for a moment how much she cared about children. She provided an amazing service for many residents in Madison and the surrounding areas. She was a trailblazer–not afraid to push the envelope and go beyond “how things were usually done” if it meant helping children and families. She will be greatly missed by many people whose lives she touched with her caring and generosity. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.

  5. Brian and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was an amazing lady, I am very blessed to have know her for most of my life. Thoughts and prayers for strength are being sent your way. Much Love

  6. Corey,

    So sad for your loss. You are an amazing woman and while I did not know your mom it seems as though she lived a wonderful life. Take care of yourself and your family this summer. Thinking about you.

  7. I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss <3 She was an amazing person and will be missed immensely.

  8. I've lost my newest best friend. I will miss her so much. My sincerest condolences to the Robishaw family, friends and all the children who knew her so well. My thoughts and prayers are with you, always. I am so sad and so sorry for your loss, as well as my loss. Living next door to Kandee and Ron for only one year, has been wonderful. They have always made me feel like family and I will be forever grateful for having them in my life. Thank you all! DeeDee Tokar DeeAnn (DeeDee) Tokar, Madison, Ohio

  9. Dear Uncle Ronnie, Chris, Brian and Corey, Thinking of you and all of the great times our families spent together over the years. So many of my fondest childhood memories involve all of you. Aunt Kandee was always so warm and kind and welcoming. I loved seeing her and always looked MORE forward to parties, picnics and reunions if I knew the Robishaws would be there. I am so happy I got to see her at this time last year to hug her and catch up. Sending you love and peace over the miles and wishing I could be there with you today to honor her memory. She’s was one of the best.

  10. To the Robishaw Family We are so so sorry for your loss. We will miss Kandee so much. I'm greatful to her for the opportunity she gave me to work with hundreds of children. The community will not be the same with out her. You are in our loving thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Lisa and Pat Varga

  11. To the Robishaw family, I'm so sorry for your loss, knew Kandee 38 yrs ago when she was at Sunshine Place an my children went there! She'll be missed by many!


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