1971 – 2016

READFIELD — Robbin “Ziggy” Pinard Pelletier, 44, of Readfield, passed from this life Friday, Aug. 12, after a valiant struggle with cancer.

The daughter of Cheryl and Robert Pinard, she was born Dec. 5, 1971, in Lewiston. She grew up and attended school in Sabattus, graduating from Oak Hill High School in 1990 as one of the top 10 students of her class. While at Oak Hill, she was a cheerleader and participated in many activities, including ski club.

After graduation, Robbin attended the University of Maine at Farmington and studied to be a teacher of mathematics. She attended the State University of New York at Potsdam for a semester as part of an exchange program. While at UMF, she met and inspired many people, both in the classroom and on campus, with her supportive personality and sharp wit. She was a member of the Pride Club and a proud resident of Abbott House.

As she began her career in education, she maintained her certification in math and also received her master’s degree in special education at the University of Southern Maine. She was hired to teach special education at Winthrop Middle School and grew to love the community there. She bought a house, where she lived with her two rescue dogs, Reebok and Hannah. While there, she learned many lessons on home improvement with her father’s assistance.

Soon after settling in Winthrop, she was introduced to Don Pelletier, with whom she formed a loving relationship. The pair were not ones to beat around the bush and quickly knew that they were meant to be together. They lived in Winthrop for many years and were married on Sept. 20, 2002, in an intimate ceremony on Moose-head Lake.

After marrying, Robbin and Don built a house in Readfield near both of their families, a detail that was important to them. Their family grew as they welcomed their son, Tucker, on Nov. 27, 2004. After the birth of her son, Robbin became a fiercely loving mother, both encouraging her son in various pursuits while teaching him to be a responsible, caring member of a family.

During this time, she left the field of public education and began working at the Maine Parent Federation, providing resources and education to parents with students with special needs. Later, she worked as an asssociate academic dean at Kaplan University in Augusta.

Throughout Robbin’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, she was quietly courageous, which was an inspiration to her family and friends. Never one to complain, she continued to make holidays and celebrations special for her family with her supportive presence and upbeat attitude.

Robbin is survived by her equally courageous husband, Don Pelletier and their son, Tucker; her parents; brothers, Scott Pinard and wife, Jaime, and Rob Pinard and wife, Liana; sister, Lori Pinard and husband, Butch; mother-in-law, Louise Pelletier; brothers-in-law, Michael Pelletier and wife, Gayle, and James Pelletier and wife, Hollie; sister-in-law, Christine Johnson and husband, Shawn; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father-in-law, Patrick Pelletier.

Although we have lost Robbin, her influence lives on through innumerable family, friends and coworkers. We will continue to be inspired by her dauntless spirit and sharp sense of morality. The memories she has left behind will sustain us, make us laugh, and in the end, change our view of our own lives for the better. In honor of Robbin, don’t clean your house; instead, play with your kids, swim, bake, read, hug your dog. Allow her legacy to be one of fortitude, joy and undying love of family.

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