Marianna Robinson

As we reflect on the beautiful life of Marianna Robinson, we are reminded of the woman whose tenacity and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone she met. A woman with an incredible heart, she poured her soul into every role she held – wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. Her life was a testament to kindness and dedication, always going above and beyond for those she cherished. Time spent with family and friends, no matter how simple the moment, brought her the greatest joy. Marianna’s compassion and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, she will forever be loved and deeply missed.

Upon immigrating from Sicily to New York, Filippo and Matilda Scaglione welcomed their first daughter and second child, Marianna, on July 16, 1965. Marianna grew up alongside her three siblings, Nicolo, Elizabeth, and Patricia. As children, they spent their childhood summers traveling to Sicily, where the Scaglione roots run deep. It was here where Marianna developed a deep connection to her heritage and devotion to her family. From a young age, she showed her natural instinct to care for others, whether it was helping out in the kitchen or looking after her younger siblings. Her mother, Matilda played a central role in shaping Marianna into the strong-willed, kind-hearted woman she would later become, passing down not only recipes but invaluable lessons on love, strength, and grace.

Of all the roles Marianna cherished, none brought her more joy than being a mother to her only son, Michael. She embraced motherhood with all her being. She was Michael’s protector, his biggest supporter, and greatest advocate. The bond they share is unbreakable, as she built a foundation of unconditional love and mutual respect. To Michael’s friends, she was known as “Momma Pang,” as her warmth and generosity extended beyond her own family. Her home was always welcoming and a place of safety, where everyone felt embraced by the same love and care she poured into her son.

The love story between Marianna and Tom began in 2002. True to her bold nature, Marianna was one to make the first move. From colleagues to friends, over the next 14 years their connection grew into a loving companionship and a blending of families. While discovering their shared passions for entertaining, traveling, trying new food, theater (especially Hamilton), and savoring good wine, they created a life filled with memorable moments. Then, in 2016, she kept Tom on his toes by finally suggesting (in classic Marianna fashion) that they elope at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel during a work trip in New Orleans, a place they loved to travel together. With her marriage to Tom, Marianna’s family grew, as she warmly welcomed Tom’s two sons, Christopher and Cameron, into her heart. Later in life, she experienced the pure joy of becoming a grandmother to Avery and Alana, another role she naturally embraced with all the affection and enthusiasm she was known for.

Marianna approached her career with the same passion and dedication that she gave her family. As a physician recruiter, she quickly gained a reputation for her keen eye and intuition in hiring exceptional physicians. Her work was a testament to her intelligence and determination. Even when faced with her own health challenges, Marianna’s practical nature led her to select her own doctor, a decision that speaks volumes to her confidence and self-assurance. She was never the one to procrastinate and valued time deeply, maximizing every moment in both her professional and personal life.

Marianna’s life was filled with many passions, but one that stayed with her throughout her journey was her love of cooking. She and Tom shared countless meals together, often experimenting with new recipes or revisiting beloved favorites. Their shared love of food led them to explore new cuisines and flavors, and New Orleans became a favorite destination for both the culture and the culinary delights. In her later years, Marianna and Tom traveled to Italy, a meaningful trip that marked her son Michael’s engagement to Valerie and again for their wedding this past summer. The chance to return to Italy, a place that held so much personal significance, was one of the happiest times in Marianna’s life.

Gatherings with family and friends was where Marianna truly came alive. She was the heart of every celebration, hosting dinners and holidays with warmth, generosity, and, above all, love. Her home was always open to family and friends, and she had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Known as a straight-shooter, Marianna wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, but she always did so with kindness. Her ability to balance candor with compassion was one of her many gifts, and it earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her. She threw herself into everything she put her mind to, and she was known for her open mind and open heart.

Marianna had a laugh that could light up any room, full of warmth and genuine joy. It was the kind of laugh that made everyone around her smile, whether they knew her well or were just in her presence for a moment. The sound of her laughter was contagious, playful, and unrestrained. Once she started, it was impossible not to join in and soon the room would be filled with the same easy, heartfelt amusement that came so naturally to her. Her laugh was a reflection of her spirit, full of life, love, and an openness that invited others to share in her happiness.

As family and friends will surely agree, Marianna Robinson truly understood the secret to living each and every day to the very fullest. She was a shining example of hard work and compassion, and she always looked for opportunities to help others. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Marianna was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew her. She faced challenges with a spirit of fierce determination, and her primary focus in life was building personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Marianna leaves a legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Marianna Robinson, age 59, passed peacefully on November 7, 2024 surrounded by family. Marianna was born July 16, 1965, in New York to Filippo and Matilda (LaLumia) Scaglione. Marianna was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving is her husband, Tom Robinson; son, Michael (Valerie) Pang; stepsons: Christopher and Cameron Robinson; grandchildren: Avery and Alana Robinson; siblings: Nicolo Scaglione, Elizabeth (Lynn) Warren, and Patricia (Anthony) Tarsio; and nieces and nephews: Nicolette Scaglione, Kyle and Kyra Warren, and Kiana Satenberg.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Monday, November 11 from 5-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 12 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More Parish. Celebrate Marianna’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.