Norfolk—Martha Klaff Robbins, 90, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 in Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital.
Martha was born in Norfolk, Va. on Feb. 19, 1922 to Harry and Rae Klaff.
She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Manuel (Buddy).
Martha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Chuck Zeitman, son and daughter-in-law Mark Robbins and Nancy Bangel, grandchildren Joel Zeitman, Leah and Scott Flax, Melanie Balaban, Sam Haga, Elise Robbins, Lori Robbins, Aaron Robbins and great grandchildren Abe Flax and Levi Balaban. She is also survived by her sister, Cilda Meltzer, and sister-in-law Hannah Konikoff, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Until her failing health would no longer allow her, Martha led an active and productive life. She was a past president and long time treasurer of the local Henrietta Szold chapter of Hadassah, president of her garden club, treasurer of the Chrysler Museum Glass Club, B’nai Brith bowler, avid knitter, seamstress, needle pointer and, for 30 years, worked as an election official and eventually became chief inspector for her precinct. When she could no longer easily get around, her days were spent watching CNN and then putting her own spin on the news. She thought of Anderson Cooper as her own son.
Martha and Buddy had a loving and happy life together for 56 years. They worked side by side in A. Robbins Furniture and she had an innate ability to know when a jewelry salesman was coming in. You never saw Martha without her diamond bee pin. Their life revolved around family and friends. In later years, as Buddy’s muscular dystrophy became worse and he could no longer walk, Martha became his driver, nurse, dresser and caregiver. Never complaining, she did what she thought she had to do to make his life easier.
Of all her roles in life, the one she loved most was being “Bubba Honey” to her grandchildren. Martha cherished every moment she could be with them and tried never to miss any event they were in.
Funeral services were held at the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. by Rabbi Jeffery Arnowitz, Cantor Gordon Pilch, and Cantor Jacob Tessler. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the charity of choice. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.