Nancy A. (Allison) Robison

Nancy Robison, who had deep roots on Block Island—a place she called home for more than 50 years—died on January 27 at the age of 91, just a few months after her husband, Stephen Robison.

Nancy was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1934. Her father, Frank Allison, was stationed with the U.S. Life-Saving Service, a predecessor to today’s Coast Guard. Her mother, Iva Littlefield, was born on Block Island and taught at the island’s “Neck” School before marrying Frank. Iva met Frank when he came to relieve Oswald Littlefield, guard of the Sandy Point LIfe-Saving Station, who was celebrating his honeymoon.

With a father in the Coast Guard, Nancy moved frequently as a child, but she eventually settled in Wakefield for high school before enrolling in the nursing program at the University of Rhode Island. She met her husband, Steve, through work colleagues in 1960. Soon after, they began visiting Block Island to see family—always careful not to let Uncle Oswald catch them at Yellow Kittens. Nancy and Steve married in 1963 and purchased a summer house on Block Island in 1973.

That home started a long tradition of summers on Block Island. Nancy and her three children stayed on the island for the summer and greeted Steve, who arrived via the “Daddy Boat” each weekend. As her children grew, so did the number of dwellers in the house. Always generous and welcoming, Nancy and Steve hosted many relatives, friends, and wayward teens. Summer inevitably ended with a very full house. Nancy and Steve became year-round residents of the island in 1999.

Professionally, Nancy worked as a nurse, both in hospitals and as a school nurse in southern Rhode Island. It was a profession well-suited to her nature: patient, compassionate, and uncomplaining. She was an extraordinary caretaker, mother, and grandmother, fulfilling each role with grace and dedication until the very end.

She is survived by Julie Natalizia (Mike), David Robison (Snjezana) and Dan Robison (Hadley), plus nine grandchildren.  The family is planning a gathering in the spring to remember both Nancy and Steve.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Block Island Historical Society or the Island Free Library.

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