Robin Cherry Strong

Her name said it all.STRONG! As a wife, partner, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, advocate, veteran and realtor Robin was a leader who lived her life cherishing those around her and doing her best to create a better world. As a great conversationalist, she could walk into the toughest situations with an honest, matter of fact perspective then moments later melt into softness by catching a glimpse of her beloved blonde labradoodle. She was extraordinarily generous with her time and money for causes she championed. Robin lost her fight with chronic pain and small fiber neuropathy on October 25 at her home in Tacoma, Washington. She was just 71. Robin was born as Cherrie Lane Brocksome on September 5, 1945 in Idaho Falls, ID. As the daughter of Howard Wayne Brocksome and Lillian Rose Steffens, she grew up being tormented by her name. Not wanting to be considered a fruit or a street, Robin and her friends came up with a name that better represented her love of birds and her strength as a determined, capable womanhence the name, Robin Strong. Robin graduated from Idaho Falls High School and went on to earn a B.A. degree in Government and Politics from Idaho State University in 1973. Shortly thereafter, Robin chose to serve her country and enlisted in the United States Army. She rose through the ranks over her sixteen year career in the military to become the Chief Warrant Officer in Logistics before her retirement from the Army in 1989. While living in Reno, NV and preparing to leave work on one memorable day in 1987, Robin noticed a young woman from Washington State by the name of Claire Louise Hopkins hailing a cab. When Claire saw Robin, she asked the cab driver to wait momentarily while she approached Robin for a ride to the airport. Robin instinctively said yes. Despite a grumpy taxi driver, that fateful ride ultimately became the ride of Robins life. Claire and Robin were inseparable. Robin moved to Tacoma to be with the love of her life. After Claire retired from her decorated career working for the State of Washington Veterans Department, she joined Robin in her business as a realtor. For 24 years, Robin was an award-winning realtor for Remax in the Tacoma area. She was honored as the top realtor in the state selling 60 homes in one year, which was a record for any individual agent. Most of her real estate customers became her lifelong friends. She was particularly adored by senior clients because Robin always treated them with dignity and respect. Living by a motto to treat everyone equally, there was one occasion where a scruffy looking gentleman came into the office to find an agent. No other agent stepped up to help the rough looking man, except Robin. Without hesitation, she took the man to see some properties. He ended up purchasing 7 houses from her in 1 day. This man remained a long time client of hers, just like so many others that Robin represented. Together, Robin and Claire built their business, their homes and their lives together. Every year, Robin and Claire would trot the globe to climb a mountain, explore a village or learn how both different and alike every corner of the world truly is. Some of Robins most favorite trips were to Italy, Thailand and Chile. Claire always pushed Robin to hike a little farther than she cared to, or explore longer than she wanted to.but there was always a refreshing glass of wine or ice cold beer to share and toast to their travel triumphs. Since retiring in 2008, Robin spent much of her time volunteering for the Rainbow Center and Humane Society or throwing the ball for her spoiled rotten dog, Doodles. Together, she and Claire meticulously maintained and restored their 1907 home in the North Proctor neighborhood. She had a deep love for good food, especially gourmet meals cooked by Claire, as well as supporting the arts and gay rights. In November of 2012, Washington State became one of the first states in the nation to legalize Lesbian and Gay marriage. Robin and Claire were pictured on the front page of The News Tribune of Tacoma in honor of this celebration a day they were very happy to witness in their lifetimes. Robin and Claire in turn, made their marriage vows legal after 25 years together on 12-12-12. Robin was known as a political animal and cared very much about elections. Just weeks ago when they received their ballots, both Robin and Claire immediately made their selections. Then Claire drove both ballots directly to the Pierce County Elections Board. When she returned, Claire proclaimed, Honey, we just voted! Robin gleefully replied, Im so happy that we were able to vote for the first U.S. woman president in our lifetime! They shared a kiss and celebrated with smiles and happiness. Robin was so proud that she did her part. Robin is survived by her loving, devoted spouse Claire Hopkins, her dog Doodles and cat Eelie. She is also survived by her brothers Glenn Kemmer Harvey and Howard Merl Brocksome; her sister Shawna Lane Mattox; as well as nieces Stacey Megan Betts and April Layne Mills and her nephew Kirk Koin Brocksome; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews and family members. She was a unique and strong life force that will be greatly remembered and missed by both family and close friends. A celebration of Robins life is being planned for Nov. 20th from 2p-5p at C.I. Shenanigans, 3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma, WA 98402. With limited space, please RSVP to friend Celeste [email protected] . In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations in Robins name to the charities she most cherished --Rainbow Center of Tacoma www.rainbowcntr.org or the Humane Society www.thehumanesociety.org . To sign the online guest book, visit Edwards Memorial University Place at www.Edwardsmemorial.com.