Unions mourn the passing of longtime activist Lucy Robinson

ST. PAUL - Saint Paul’s labor community is mourning the loss of Lucille (Lucy) Robinson, retired member of AFSCME Local 22. Her death, on Feb. 2, saddened the hearts of all who knew her as one of the kindest hearts of all.

Lucy Robinson Photo courtesy of the St. Paul Union Advocate A single parent, Lucy raised her four daughters by herself, all the while contributing to the community in every way possible. The Girls, as she called them, wrote the eulogy read at her funeral. They called their mother the “rock” of the family, and mentioned how stubborn she was, for even as was she very ill and not feeling well, Lucy insisted on being involved, in always doing for others. News of her death prompted those who knew her to speak of her strong work ethic and her persistence in standing up for what she believed in. Bernie Hesse, UFCW Local 789, said, “She’s always been a willing pair of hands, a willing listener, a real soldier.” Lucy worked at the State Services for the Blind for 32 years, and as an AFSCME member she served as the first treasurer for AFSCME Local 2181, was the secretary of AFSCME Local 22 for many years, and was president of AFSCME Local 22 for one year. Lucy represented her union as a long-time delegate to the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly where she also served on the board. She was a member of the St. Paul Trades and Labor Community Services Committee for 24 years. Bob Bonacorda, Community Services Director for many years, said, “Lucy had the unique blend of characteristics of a true community leader. Compassion, commitment and courage, covered over gently with a warm, bubbling effervescent personality. She was one of a kind and we are all the better for knowing her.” First elected to the St. Paul Council of Campfire in 1992, Lucy was on the Board of Directors of Campfire Boys and Girls both for the St. Paul Council and the merged Minnesota Council. Lucy served on the St. Paul United Way Campaign Cabinet and was the labor co-chair of the St. Paul United Way Campaign. After she retired she served for two years as the Greater Twin Cities loaned campaign consultant. Biz O’Mara, Senior Workplace Consultant – Labor Liaison of the Greater Twin Cities United Way, said, “Lucy was a genuine woman who truly walked her talk. She took on many leadership volunteer roles during her 15-plus years of her involvement with Greater Twin Cities United Way; everything from serving as co-chair of the 1996 campaign to her more recent role as a member of the Twin Cities Labor Strategy Committee. Lucy was caring, committed and she believed in her community. Her passion to help others inspired us all.” Lucy was an active member of several retirees’ organizations, including the St. Paul Trades and Labor Assembly where she continued to serve as a delegate. She was a member and treasurer of the St. Croix Valley Retiree Club, and was a member of the Minnesota State Retiree Employees Association. She was Vice President of the Minnesota State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO, and was Treasurer for four years. In September 2008, she was honored with the Convention Award from Minnesota’s AFL-CIO Retirees Council for her lifetime service to others by working to improve the lives of union members and retirees, as well as the larger community. In the community, Lucy was active in the DFL party where she worked with many candidates’ campaigns. For over 10 years she volunteered at Arlington High School where she helped with mailings and worked in the library. At the Second Harvest Food Bank, Lucy was somewhat of a trailblazer as she was the first female union member to volunteer – she tracked donations by computer in an era where few were computer -literate She also volunteered at the Dorothy Day Center and was a volunteer driver for the Red Cross. Lucy participated in every labor celebration held out in the community. She was a faithful volunteer every year at the Labor Booth at the State Fair. She was active at the Labor Day Observance at Harriet Island, and she was always involved with labor’s unit at the Winter Carnival. In fact, she volunteered at the warm up party held after the 2009 parade, just days before she died Wayne Wittman, Chair of the Community Services Committee, summed up the thoughts of many when he said, “With Lucille Robinson’s death, the labor movement and St Paul community will no longer have her physical presence to serve us. She didn’t miss a chance to be there. Her spirit will continue to be with us who knew her, worked with her and loved her.” Thank you to Lynne Larkin-Wright and Martha Johnson who contributed to this article. Mary Thoemke is a free -lance writer for the Twin Cities Daily Planet. She is retired from Saint Paul Public Schools SPFT Local 28. She also was editor of the North End News, a community newspaper,