Natalie H. Robohm passed away peacefully on March 2, 2017 surrounded by family. She was born on February 28, 1946 in Manchester, NH. Her father was a pharmacist and mother helped run the drug store and soda fountain. She graduated high school in Manchester and graduated with a BA in history from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. This is where she met her husband, Donald Robohm (a graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). They were engaged in Japan which spawned a lifetime affinity for the Japanese people and their culture. Post-graduation from college, they relocated to Rochester, NY and had their first son, Jason B. Robohm. After being accepted to Harvard Business School they relocated to Salem, NH. Post business school, Donald was hired at ConAgra in Omaha, NE, where their second son, Jordan D. Robohm, was born. ConAgra offered a promotion to run a grain mill in Decatur, AL, and away they went. Donald was then hired away by Seaboard Corporation based out of Kansas City, MO, where their third son, Jonathan W. Robohm, was born. With the family established, Natalie turned her spare time to volunteering for numerous organizations, including the Japan America Society (JAS) and American Association of Undergraduate Women (AAUW). While serving as president of JAS, she was instrumental in establishing a Sister Cities Program between Kansas City and Kurashiki, Japan and spearheaded a foreign exchange students program between the two cities. Donald had the idea of starting a fish farm where he could raise fish like one would raise chicken in a controlled environment. He looked throughout the USA for a suitable place and settled on South Mississippi. Once again the family was on the move and relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During the many years on the Gulf Coast of MS, Natalie and Don spent their time being very involved with the local community. Natalie's greatest passion was her love of the arts and the local community of the Gulf Coast. She rapidly engaged with helping promote the love of classical music for all ages. This took her in the direction of volunteering for various positions with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. While president, she helped grow the Symphony to the point of needing an Executive Director... of which she became the first full time paid employee. In this role, she blossomed into a great leader who helped grow the Symphony into a leading arts institution in the region. Hurricane Katrina left a big mark on our family. Don and Natalie lost their home and his business as a result of the storm. Unfortunately, the scars were too deep from these losses and they decided to move to Red Hook, NY. Natalie quickly immersed herself in the arts and worked diligently with the Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, quadrupling their schedule and diversifying their repertoire. Overtime, Natalie and Don's health began to falter and they decided to move to McKinney, TX to be closer to eldest son, Jason and his family.
She is survived by her loving husband, three sons, three daughters-in-law, a grandson, and 3 granddaughters. Keep an eye on us from above, we will always miss you - Natalie - Mom - Gramalie.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, Natalie's wishes were for a donation to be made in her name to: Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, 11975 Seaway Road, Suite B233, Gulfport, MS 39503, 228-896-4276.