Robin’s Obituary
On December 1, 2025, Robin Lyn Pedersen transitioned from this world to be at peace with Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Pedersen Sr. and Betsy Pedersen-Hill, and by her brother, Christopher Pedersen.
Robin is survived by her brothers, Richard Pedersen Jr. and Gregory Pedersen, and her sister, Jill Haug; three nephews; one niece; three great-nephews; and two great-nieces. She was a devoted “kitty mom” to her beloved cats, Bubbles, Lil, Kasie, and Karlie, who preceded her in death. She is further survived by other relatives and many dear friends.
Robin was born on November 9, 1958, and raised in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. She was the first girl to run on the Boys’ Cross Country Team at Whitefish Bay High School, from which she graduated in 1977. Following high school, she attended Concordia College. Running was an integral part of Robin’s life. She completed many marathons and qualified twice for the Boston Marathon. A highlight of her running career was earning a medal at the 91st running of the Boston Marathon in 1986. She was a longtime member of the Badgerland Striders.
Robin took great pride in volunteering for more than 25 years at Sojourner Family Peace Center, a domestic violence shelter and hotline. She was often there five or six days a week, organizing clothing and hygiene donations and preparing supplies for children and families for back-to-school needs and the large Christmas and holiday events.
In the late 1980s, Robin became involved with the Wisconsin Association of Children of Alcoholics, one of nine founding chapters of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics. Around 1995, she began working with the Office of Consumer Affairs at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Services, serving on committees until the time of her death. In 2005, Robin was part of the very first class in Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin to be trained as a Peer Support Specialist. She was employed by Our Space and worked on the inpatient units at the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Complex. Robin later became a dedicated advocate, serving on committees for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in Madison for approximately 20 years.
Robin devoted nearly 20 years of her time and energy to the Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force. She served on the Steering Committee for 15 years, was a past chairwoman, and was actively working on a new strategic plan at the time of her unexpected death. Robin spoke on behalf of the Task Force at statewide budget hearings, before the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board, and with state legislators at the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Robin was a loving and committed member of Christ Church Episcopal in Whitefish Bay. She found deep comfort in her faith and her relationship with Jesus Christ and greatly valued her pastors and fellow church members.
Robin had a kind and gentle spirit and never expressed an unkind thought about anyone or anything. She truly did not have a mean bone in her body. May you fly away in peace and be free, once and for all.
Service Information
Services will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Visitation: 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Memorial Service: 5:30 p.m., followed by a Life Celebration
Location: Sojourner Family Peace Center
619 W. Walnut St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Contact Information: 414-276-1911
Donations: In Lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations in Robin’s name would be appreciated. Wisconsin Humane Society, Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force or Sojourner Family Peace Center.