Ainsley Grace Robinson

Ainsley Grace (Rand) Robinson, RN
October 12, 1948 - October 29, 2023

With great sadness, we the family announce the passing of Ainsley Rand Robinson, on October 29, 2023 at Valley Hospice, Kentville. Ainsley lived for many years in Round Hill, Annapolis County and most recently in Blomidon, Kings County. Born on October 12,1948 in Wolfville, she was the third daughter of the late Eustace and Lorraine (Hiltz) Rand of Port Williams. Besides her parents she was predeceased by infant brother Aubrey, sister Margaret Russell, brother-in-law Allen Tough, her husband Lloyd Robinson and Lloyd’s granddaughter, Robyn Gray. She is survived by siblings Roger (Donna) Rand, Blomidon, Rebecca (Michael) Young, Dartmouth, and Catherine (Allen) Rand, Toronto, brother-in-law John Russell, Port Williams, nieces and nephews Kimberely and Paul Russell, Nicholas and Megan Young, Nathan, Jenny and Mitchell Rand, five great- nieces and nephews and Lloyd’s children Ann Gray and Gordon Robinson.

Some of Ainsley’s happiest times were those spent with her four-legged friends. From the Beagles she grew up with to the Labs and Springer Spaniels during her adulthood, there was always a dog companion in her life. Piper, her current dog, visited her regularly at Valley Hospice and always brought a smile to Ainsley’s face.

Ainsley was always drawn to caregiving and supporting others. While living in Bermuda she was caregiver for an autistic youth. Later while working at the Flower Cart in New Minas she helped those with intellectual disabilities achieve skills which allowed them meaningful employment. She entered the nursing programme at the Victoria General Hospital as the oldest student in her class. Upon graduation she worked in acute care at the BFM/Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville and in long term care at North Hills Nursing Home, Granville Ferry and Mountain Lee Lodge, Bridgetown. She was a well loved, compassionate and caring nurse throughout her career.

Ainsley continued her interest in sports after participating at Horton District High School. She was the goalie for the Nova Scotia field hockey team at the first Canada Summer Games held in Halifax in 1969. While living in Bermuda she was goalie for the Bermuda national team that travelled to Scotland for the Commonwealth Games. A lover of nature and the outdoor life, she pursued canoeing and camping, was a Girl Guide and later waterfront supervisor at Hardwood Lake Girl Guide Camp. Later she and Lloyd spent many months each year at their camp in Puddle Pond, Newfoundland.

Her love of singing continued beyond her days of high school Glee Club. Ainsley sang in church choirs and with a community choir in Annapolis Royal.

Ainsley courageously and positively faced her cancer diagnosis, stating months ago her goal of reaching her 75th birthday. She achieved that with the love and support of family, friends, the Palliative Care Team, the VON and the outstanding and compassionate care at Valley Hospice. There will be no visitation or service, respecting Ainsley’s wishes. Cremation has taken place under the direction of White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. Donations in memory can be made to Valley Hospice (Kentville), a local animal rescue organization, or a charity of choice.