Obituary of Robin L. Smirnov

I will bless you and you will be a blessing to others. Genesis 12:2 It is with heavy hearts that we share our darling daughter, Robin Leanne Smirnov, née Hickey, passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025, in the United Kingdom, her home for over twenty-five years. Robin was born on May 31, 1977, to parents James and Sharon Hickey, Little Meadows, PA. Robin is survived by the lights of her life, her two children Violetta and Viktor Smirnov. Also surviving is the love of her life, Robin Sinclair and his children, Mollie and Malcolm. Robin is forever cherished by her sister, Christine Freyvogel (Greg) and her sons Alexander, Nicholas, and William. She is also survived by her beloved best friend Dianne Kovacevic, adoring aunts, uncles and a host of cousins. Robin treasured her constant companion and snuggly kitty, The Princess Aurora. Robin's deep love of singing, her commitment to perfecting her art – specifically opera – began in early childhood and continued throughout her life. Robin was a graduate of Montrose Area High School, Montrose, PA (1995), the Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ (2000), and The Royal Academy of Music, London, UK (2002) with degrees in vocal performance. We are grateful to special teachers, Susan and Rodger Lewis, who championed and encouraged Robin's passion for singing and performing. Robin delighted in being the mother of Violetta and Viktor. Every request, no matter how small was followed by "love you'. "May I please have a diet coke? Love you." She never missed a school event, game, or performance and was a full participant in parent activities including singing with the adult choirs at the Heatherton and Beacon schools. Violetta and Viktor thrived in the laughter, warmth, and stability that emanated from their lovely mama. In 2020, RobinSings, her newly created online voice school grew and within two years, she was teaching voice full time in local schools. She rejoiced in her students' accomplishments while providing a safe and nurturing space for them to explore and express the beauty and joy of song. Robin freely lent her beautiful soprano voice and her helping hands to charitable causes. Her much loved Chilterns American Women's Club International (CAWC) is a philanthropic organization of British, American, and international women sharing their diverse cultures and providing a supportive network to those in need. Over many years, Robin served in several capacities as president, board member, and Co-Chair for the annual Christmas Bazaar. Robin was so proud of this dedicated army of women raising money to benefit charities local to the Buckinghamshire area and having fun doing so. The CAWC continues to stand fast with our family and we are enriched by their love. Robin's natural gifts of compassion, inclusion, humility, and joy shone a beacon of light on everyone she met. Her legions of friends encircled the globe; she always had time to laugh, cry, and counsel with kindness and generosity. Our families are forever blessed by Robin's friends, near and far, her lovely neighbors, and the many school moms, who immediately wrapped us in love while their own hearts were broken. Your many kindnesses will be remembered always. We pray that you may see and experience your life as Robin saw and experienced her life, with love, exuberance, laughter, and song. See the good in each other through her rose-colored glasses. Scatter your path of life with glitter that you may always find your way home. A summer memorial service is planned. Details will be provided. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33