Cecelia Coyne

Middleton, WI- Cecelia "Robin" Maas Coyne, age 61 passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday afternoon surrounded by her husband, John of 38 years, daughter Abigail Coyne (Matthew) Diller of Chicago, who works for the University of Chicago Women's Board as the Associate Director; and their son, Joseph of Boston, a recent graduate of Harvard Business School.

Robin was born on March 21, 1952 to Walter & Cecelia M. (Moore) Maas, Jr. who preceded her in death. Born on the first full day of spring, her father proclaimed: "We saw our first Robin today!" and the name "Robin" stuck!

Many West side and Nakoma neighborhood children remember Robin through the fun they shared on the "legendary" rope swing her Father fashioned in their backyard. Throughout her adult life, Robin frequently encountered adults who had fond memories of their time spent at her childhood home.

A lifetime resident of Madison, Robin attended Cherokee Middle School where was an outstanding student, athlete as well as Captain of the Cheerleading squad. She moved on to West Senior High School where she proudly achieved honor roll during all eight semesters, and went on to be voted both the most Poised Contestant and runner-up in the Miss Teenage Madison Pageant.

Robin attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1975, She and John married on August 7, 1976 and resided in Madison for the past 28 years. She was a school teacher and had a passion for assisting children with speech, language, physical, and cognitive difficulties and specialized in these fields for over 23 years. Her most recent employment was working as a Job Coach for the Integrated Community Work Program, assisting developmentally disabled adults in achieving meaningful contributions to their employers. She was a passionate advocate for special needs children and developmentally disabled adults, who will be greatly missed by those she impacted throughout her career.

Robin and John first met in Lake Mendota (they were swimming) in 1966. They had strong ties to the lake throughout her life through sailboat racing and motor boating. In 2007, the couple moved to their home on the lake in Middleton and she died living her dream on the water within thirty feet of the lake!

Everyone who was exposed to Robin's inner strength, knowledge, passion, and civility, walked away with a heightened sense of empowerment. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel great about themselves, whether it be children on the playground, fellow teachers, supervisors, or close friends. Her tender heart and unwavering support for her spouse and children formed the backbone of her family. She is survived by Husband, John; Daughter, Abigail Coyne Diller (Matthew); Son, Joseph; Brother Walter M. Maas III (Lynn) of Woodinville, WA and many loving family members. The family would also like to thank the Agrace Hospice team for their generous and caring assistance in helping Robin remain at her home, as well as her primary Oncologist, Dr. Sam Lubner, who offered incredible support and care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, August 4th 2013 at 1:00 PM at St Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1833 Regent Street, Madison, WI A visitation with lunch will follow in the Church Hall. A private Burial Service will follow for immediate family members.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Carbone Cancer Center
to fight this deadly disease.