Kathryn Anne Robinson - Lang (22 Mar 1956 - 25 Mar 2023)

In loving memory of our sister Kathryn Anne Robinson - Lang who sadly died on 25th March 2023.

Kathryn was born in Preston, Lancashire, and in 1974 after qualifying as a Medical Secretary she moved to London, first living in Muswell Hill and eventually moving to Upper Clapton.
She loved the area, particularly Springfield Park and the marshes, where she walked her dogs Icky, Jo and Alfie - she called them her "Lickinations".

Kathryn worked in a range of specialisms in London Teaching Hospitals and Harley Street.
Well respected, she went on to train as a Lecturer in Further Education, when she became course tutor for City and East London College, Bolton College, City and Islington College and Westminster Adult Education Services. She was a Fellow of the Society of Teachers in Business Education.

Kathryn experienced ill health due to asthma in childhood and she missed much of her early education. Consequently as a tutor she was a staunch advocate for others who were facing challenging circumstances, in particular helping them to succeed in their education. Kathryn aimed to made her teaching fun and accessible. She was delighted when her students achieved success, whether it was on the Medical Secretaries two year Diploma, or the Foundation Skills courses for adult learners who had additional needs.
Her students in turn were appreciative of her skills and kindness in her teaching and her continuing friendship, judging by the cards and messages Kathryn had kept.

Kathryn married Robert in 2003 and over the next ten years became his carer as his health deteriorated.
They shared a love of dogs, good food - Robert used to boast that she was an excellent cook - and going to shows at the Hackney Empire. Kathryn was always excited to race around to the stage door after performances to add signatures to her autograph book.
After Robert died, Kathryn continued to support the Hackney Empire, enjoying shows and pantomimes.
She loved going out for meals, especially fresh oysters, with friends and family, including her nephews and nieces.
She had an eye for fashion and dressed well, her weekly hairdressing appointments were very important to her, and whether it was hospital appointments or day trips she never went out without her make-up and jewellery.

As her own health and mobility worsened Kathryn fought hard to maintain her dignity and independence.
She relied on friends and neighbours, old and new, and the people she met at the Posh Club and Ability Bow, who, she said, encouraged and inspired her and who advocated on her behalf, and we thank you all for your patience and kind support.

Kathryn said that the Asthma Research Council - now Asthma + Lung UK - saved her life, and she also supported the work of Dogs Trust, so she wished us to make bequests to those charities.

Kathryn never lost her northern identity and sense of humour. She told us that she hoped she would be remembered for her jokes, her devotion to her dogs and her love of 70's Motown, and that we should celebrate her life with joy, dancing to her favourite music.
She asked for this poem "Miss Me But Let Me Go" by Christina Rossetti:

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.

Kathryn's funeral will be a private cremation on Friday April 14th at 9.15 am.
Whilst we will not be together with you in person, we invite you to think of Kathryn at this time and to share a message or a memory about her,

Fiona and Stephen and our families