Robin Denise Lewakowski

Loving, generous, and kind, Robin Denise Lewakowski devoted her life to her family, who always came first. With patience, empathy, and compassion, she also served others as a registered nurse for 36 years. Robin led with her heart in all things and, in doing so, proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to share time with her. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Robin will be dearly missed by those she so dearly loved.

1964 found the country staggering through continued Civil Rights uprisings and the war in Vietnam. While a time of turmoil, it was also a year of progress and creative genius. As President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, The Beatles took the world and America by storm. Beatlemania went into overdrive as they released a series of number one hits, including I Want to Hold Your Hand and All My Loving. Other British groups also found success. The Rolling Stones and The Animals, together with the American talent of The Supremes and Bob Dylan, many say, were among the greatest of the last century. It was also the year when a young, passionate, and talented boxer named Cassius Clay won the heavyweight boxing championship from Sonny Liston. It was during this time of tremendous growth that Wayne and Kathleen Riordan Carlson welcomed their daughter, Robin, into their family on April 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The third of four Carlson children, Robin grew up on 14th Ave in Tallmadge Township. Her father was a sheet metal worker and her mother a homemaker. Family was always at the center of Robin’s life, and she especially treasured Sunday night dinners at her parents’ home, where everyone gathered together week after week. Robin was deeply caring and devoted to her parents, and throughout the years, she remained closely connected to them—calling her mom every evening after work and helping care for both of her parents as they grew older. The family also enjoyed vacationing at Silver Lake, where Robin spent most of her time in the water or climbing the dunes. Robin was known for being cautious and fun loving, a rule-following tomboy who was both smart and studious.

Robin attended Grandville Public Schools from elementary through high school. During that time, she loved playing little league softball. Robin’s Type A personality lent itself to a love for studying; a big Friday night for her was studying with friends.

After graduating with the class of 1984, Robin furthered her education as a member of the last class at the Butterworth School of Nursing. After completing her three-year training program, Robin earned her Registered Nurse degree. She worked for Butterworth before accepting a position with Dr. Herkner at Michigan Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in 1987. When he retired in 2008, Robin began working for Orthopedic Associates of Michigan, where she worked the rest of her career. Known for her knowledge and kindness, family and friends often turned to Robin with medical questions, and she was always willing to help, gladly offering her expertise and thoughtful advice.

In 1989, Robin agreed to a date when Rob Lewakowski, a patient at her office, asked her out. Their first date was lunch at Arnie’s Bakery and Restaurant near the office. After dating for a time, Robin and Rob began planning a future together. They married on December 7, 1991, at Holy Spirit Parish, and continued the celebration with a honeymoon on Sanibel Island, Florida. Being Type A, Robin was very organized and an exceptionally skillful planner, who planned the whole wedding to a T.

Having purchased a home on Macomb Ave NW two weeks before the wedding, the newlyweds returned to their home, where they welcomed their daughter, Erika, in 1994, and have lived ever since. Robin loved being a mom and was devoted to providing Erika with a loving and supportive home where everything felt special. She always threw a huge birthday party for Erika with lots of presents and bonus presents. She was always there for Erika’s school functions, parties, cheer events, and softball games, encouraging her hopes and dreams at every turn.

A natural homebody, Robin enjoyed reading Danielle Steele and Nora Roberts novels and watching Hallmark movies and medical dramas like ER and Grey’s Anatomy. She also enjoyed classic rock and was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. Though her family often camped at Grand Haven State Park and Silver Lake, Robin didn’t really like camping; she preferred to join them for day trips. Despite not really spending much time in the water as an adult, she continued to enjoy being near it. Every Labor Day was spent at Grand Haven with the family, and Robin was in charge of organizing the ladder ball tournament and the kids’ scavenger hunt. Day trips to the Weather Vane on White Lake were always a good time, too.

Not much for cooking, the family ate out a lot. Robin’s favorite meal was a chicken sandwich, often from Grandvilla Restaurant. For holidays, Robin would, however, make Rice Krispies treats, fruit with dip, green bean casserole, and pistachio jello salad. With a sweet tooth for anything chocolate, she always had to have some sort of chocolate dessert after every dinner, and always had M&M’s, Hershey Kisses, or Hershey bars on hand.

Robin had a generous spirit and always made sure everyone had what they needed. She loved donating children’s clothes and school supplies to DA Blodgett - St. John’s and enjoyed picking out boots for the Christmas boot drive at St. Anthony’s church. She consistently put others first and was appreciative of anything anyone did for her, right up until the end of her life. Robin always thanked her caretakers, telling them they did a “very nice job,” and those around her often remarked on how sweet she was and what a joy she was to be around.

Sadly, Robin was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2020 and medically retired in 2021. Despite the challenges she faced, Robin continued to enjoy the simple things in life. She lit up when she saw family, especially when her grandson Kamp was born in 2025; she just loved seeing him. She would sing songs to him, tell him how cute he was, and never missed an opportunity to kiss the top of his head. Even as her condition progressed, Robin’s natural motherly instincts never wavered, and her kind, nurturing heart always shined through.

As we celebrate Robin’s beautiful life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories and the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment we greet the day with gratitude, confidently face life’s challenges, choose compassion and kindness, generously give our time and talents in service of others, enjoy the comforts of home, indulge in our favorite chocolate, and cheer on our loved ones’ endeavors, we keep Robin’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Robin Lewakowski, age 61, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 3, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Kathleen Carlson, and in-laws, Bernard and Florence Lewakowski. Robin is survived by her husband of 34 years, Rob; her daughter, Erika, and her husband, Nick Grypma; and her grandson, Kamp. Also surviving are her siblings, Sue and Chip Klein, Terri and Fred Marckini, and Eric and Julie Carlson; nieces and nephews; and close family friend, Jackie Kort.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, January 8, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St NW. The family will receive visitors from 5–7 PM, followed by a scripture service, on Wednesday, January 7, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or DA Blodgett – St. John’s. Celebrate Robin’s life by sharing your favorite photo or memory on her personalized memory page at Heritagelifestory.com