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Robin Breese Menard (nee Cassidy)

Robin Breese Menard (nee Cassidy)

Robin Breese Menard (nee Cassidy) was born on May 19, 1959 in Utica, NY and passed away on September 24, 2018 in Lowell, MA. She grew up in Fredonia, NY and Washington, DC. Over the years she called Nantucket, Florida, Washington DC, Virginia, South Carolina and other parts of Massachusetts home. Robin attended National Cathedral School (Washington, DC) and Berkshire School (Sheffield, MA) and received diplomas from both. She matriculated to Nichols College (Dudley, MA) where she majored in life! Many of her closest friends were made during those years. Adventure followed Robin like the moon revolves around the earth — constantly. Whether it was playing field hockey, sailing, skiing or chauffeuring her gang around in a ’72 Cutlass convertible — she was their moon. After graduation Robin sought out another adventure — Nantucket in the summer and West Palm Beach in the winter working in the hospitality industry. The lure and beauty of Nantucket had her settling there, beginning her culinary career and meeting her future husband, Glenn Menard. Nantucket offered many opportunities, over many years, that ultimately led to establishing The Pines, where she was owner, operator and head chef. Robin shared her love for Nantucket with many family members and friends and the door to their Miacomet home was always open. Her next undertaking, professionally, brought her back to Washington where she made herself invaluable as Director of Food Service for Meriwether-Godsey at Sidwell Friends School. While it was Robin’s leadership qualities that advanced the mission of the business, it was her love of people that formed and nourished bonds that were so incredibly special to her.Giving back was important to Robin in every facet of her life. In particular, she took great pride in and showed unwavering commitment for, The National Brain Tumor Society’s Race for Hope in Washington, DC. Robin, with incredible dedication, rallied “Barrie’s Beehive” annually to raise awareness and funds to advance the research and support for those affected by brain cancer. Robin is survived by her husband Glenn A. Menard, her daughter Lindsey Breese Menard and her son Kevin Shackford Menard. She is also survived by her step-mother Rae Coogan Cassidy. 11 sisters and brothers. Garret, Randy, Bill, Meg, Jennifer, Bruce, Amy, Jim, Brad, Beth & Joe, 19 nieces and nephews and a great niece and nephew. She is predeceased by her mother Barbara M. (Barrie) Collins, her father James R. (Jim) Cassidy and her step-father Dr. Robert E. (Bob) Collins. Robin’s zest for life, love for family and that “glow in the dark smile” will be her legacy.A memorial service will be held on Monday November 12, 2018 at 4 p.m. at The Little Sanctuary at St. Alban’s School Washington, DC. Donations to Barrie’s Beehive in Memory of the Team Captain would be gratefully accepted. Please use the link below or mail your donation to National Brain Tumor Society 50 Chapel Street, Suite 200 Newton, MA 02458.http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/goto/BarriesBeehiveInMemoryofRobin