Robin Doris Mahns (née Heggie) of Shrewsbury passed away unexpectedly April 7, 2022. She was born in Long Branch in 1966 and grew up in New Shrewsbury, now Tinton Falls. Robin’s father passed away when she was very young. Robin’s maternal grandmother (and extended family) helped raise her, her four sisters and brother so her mother could work several jobs to support them. This instilled an intense respect for the importance of familial support which permeated her life.
She maintained many friendships with classmates stretching back to kindergarten. During her childhood, Robin was actively involved in Girl Scouts, achieving the Gold Award. A family friend asked Robin to consider participating in the Tinton Falls Country Fair Queen pageant in 1982, which she reluctantly agreed to – and won the crown.
Robin graduated Monmouth Regional High School in 1984, developing an interest in early childhood education. She was lucky to work with a wonderful mentor at the Fort Monmouth Child Care Center and continued her education, earning a degree in this field.
Robin was introduced to her future husband, Michael, in high school; they married in 1988 and recently celebrated their 34th anniversary. Together they raised two children, adjusting work schedules and employment to provide for them. Robin helped them develop interests and passions outside of school, driving them to martial arts and dance classes, intramural and competitive sporting events and seeking out people in her network of friends for opportunities for them.
Once the children were older, Robin left a corporate position and returned to her earlier interests, finding employment at the Goddard School in Tinton Falls in the infant room. Although physically demanding (Michael would occasionally find her asleep on the couch after work), she started every day with the enthusiasm she had at that first summer job at Fort Monmouth. She enjoyed the company of her coworkers, the children she was privileged to care for and was regularly complemented by their parents when they were ready to transition to the next age group.
Robin was predeceased by her father, John Purdie Heggie, and her mother, Marie Katherine Heggie (née Robinson). She is survived by her husband Michael; son Colin and daughter Kayla; sisters Dorothy-Jean Shedwick (John), Leanne DeHope (Edward), Alycen Carroll and Jennifer Blackwell (Jullius); brother John P. Heggie Jr. (Joyce); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. (with words of remembrance at 3:30) April 22 at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, Deborah Heart and Lung Center or Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove.
The article originally appeared in the April 14 – 20, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
