Robin Michele Kirk (née Elston), 51, died Saturday, February 11, 2023 in Newport, Rhode Island after surviving for 27 days following a series of heart attacks and intubation. She held on to every ounce of life left in her and beat many odds, but was unfortunately found unresponsive at her rehab facility the morning after being transferred.

To know Robin was to know unconditional love. Whether or not you were ready to accept it, you knew it was there and waiting for you when you were ready. She would tell you she learned it from her children, but they would tell you they learned it from being loved by her (they are all very stubborn this way). She was a force of nature who knew better than anyone how to find just the right words to keep you grounded or make you laugh. She poured herself into everyone she met no matter their background or struggles and managed to make anyone feel seen. She was, and still is, the embodiment of home and acceptance for so many people. Once she gave you a nickname there was no escaping her warmth.

She was never one to abide by what someone told her she should do, and carved her own unconventional path that was rich in relationships and joy. In addition to her dazzling green eyes and seasoned sense of humor, Robin was also known for her sultry, powerful voice and ability to come up with a song for any word or situation, even in the middle of the grocery store or ICU. Robin loved Karaoke and would frequent many spots around southern Rhode Island to belt out tunes and tear up the dance floor with fellow friends of Bill Wilson. She loved music, especially when her kids or father were the ones creating it.

Aside from her children, Robin was most proud of her sobriety. A former avid lover of Jack Daniels, she set the standard for what it means to be sober and make amends. She credited her sobriety for giving her family this last month with her, and they agree. She touched, and saved, many lives with her stories and transformation. She truly practiced what she preached, making her a woman of dignity & honor rarely seen. Her honesty was refreshing and restorative, even if sometimes it was scary. Her character and heart were larger than life.

Her boisterous laugh that could fill up a room was only matched by her dazzling brain. This alone carried her through North Kingstown High School (graduated 1989 with honours) and her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Southern Illinois University (graduated 2014 Magna Cum Laude). Robin proudly held many caregiving and nursing roles throughout her life. She was a devoted stay at home mom and homeschooled four children for 14 years before obtaining her final position as a Pediatric Nurse at Providence Community Health Center. Robin glowed whenever she talked about her job and always knew just what to say to help an anxious parent.

Robin is survived by her four adoring children Hannah Kirk (Scott Aubut), Aaron Kirk (Kaylee Baker), Colette Kirk (Thomas Mullally), Josiah Kirk (Emily Kenniston), her two step-children Nicole Hartung (Matthew) & Ryan Kirk (Erika Hicks), and her loving fur child Gracie. Robin's children say that being hers was one of their life's most brilliant honors, even now when they have to learn to live without her. She will live on not just in her childrens' laughter, authenticity, and the way they love each other, but also through lavender sunsets, winter's first snowfall and the ocean's steady waves.

She is also mourned by her three grandchildren: Cyan Aubut, Maddox Hartung, and Griffin Hartung as well as her enamored partner, Hugues Bode and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and family members including her father Robert Elston and siblings Darrin, Yvonne (skiboat), & Justin Elston.

A warm, intentional mention for those who preceded her in death including her mother Lorraine Elston (née Garrepy), grandchild Senna Aubut, ex-husband Robert (Mike) Kirk, and brother Edward Elston (Spaghetti Eddie). Robin carried the grief of those she missed, especially her mother, with grace and love beyond measure. May we find the courage to do the same.

To remember Robin you can go spend a pensive few minutes near any body of water, savor a fresh cup of coffee, belt your favorite song in the car, give an unsuspecting person a genuine compliment, or hug one of her kids.

There will be a celebration of life held on May 20, 2023 at a to be determined location & hour. In honor of Robin's love for shells and rocks of all shapes in sizes please bring a shell or rock that reminds you of her to swap and trade. Other details will follow soon. You can contact her daughter Hannah at hannahaubut@gmail.com to make sure you are given updates outside of facebook and word of mouth.

Donations can be made to her children to help fund the cost of services and travel here: http://spot.fund/6gq1msc