Cynthia Pender Robbins


CORNWALL — Cynthia Pender Robbins, age 82, died with her family at her side on June 22, 2023, in her Cabot, Vermont home. The cause of death was lung cancer which she and her family were quite stunned to learn of in late 2022.
Born in Bridgeport, Cindy grew up in Litchfield, Connecticut. Her parents, Daniel and Frances Pender, emphasized the importance of family and service to others. Cindy’s life’s efforts mirrored her parents’ teaching. She will be remembered best for her exceptional listening and for helping family members, friends, colleagues, and the children and families she worked with at Mitchell School sort through the complexities of life.
After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University, Cindy’s work included child welfare, adoption placement and teaching young children at The Children’s School, a nursery school she helped found.
Reading and researching constantly, Cindy continued her education earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut. The final 25 years of her career were spent in the Woodbury Public Schools as a school social worker. In addition to her work, Cindy helped organize The Fresh Air Fund, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and was a Cub Scout den mother. In Vermont she was a hospice volunteer and through the Cabot School, she promoted literacy and served as a mentor.
Cindy and Irving Robbins married in 1965. After the births of their children, they settled in Cornwall, Connecticut. Cindy would be the first to say that she loved being a mother. Caring for others was in her nature, and no one benefited more than her children. She fostered the independence of each family member. An excellent cook and welcoming host, there were many fun gatherings shared with family and friends.
After retiring, Cindy and Irv moved to Cabot, Vermont. Cindy relished all four seasons, enjoyed both cultivated and wild flower gardening, kayaking, Nordic skiing, Pilates, and photography. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and shared her love of nature with them.
Cindy’s creative side surfaced as a grief response to her granddaughter Madeline’s death. She honed her knitting and felting skills, crafting whimsical creations, each fairy cottage, bowl, or gnome intricately designed. Eventually she became active in local artisan guilds.
No matter where she was, Cindy developed lasting, meaningful relationships. From the Cornwall roads which she walked for 25 years, to the halls of Mitchell School, she made many friends whom she cherished dearly up until her death. The messages she received during her illness soothed her heart.
Cindy was predeceased by her granddaughter, Madeline Robbins. Cindy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Irving Robbins of Cabot, Vermont; her daughter, Leslie Robbins (Nick) of Littleton, New Hampshire, her son, Luke Robbins (Taeryn) of Cabot; her beloved grandchildren, Crawford, Hudson, Silas, and Alaina; her sister, Betsey Pender Hunter of Midlothian, Virginia; her cousin, Ann Griswold of Old Saybrook, as well as many nieces and nephews, including especially dear niece and nephew, Meredith Stakes and Bill Hunter.
A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held in Cabot, Vermont on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2023. In lieu of flowers or donations, Cindy always hoped friends and family would visit Irv on the hill.
Condolences can be shared online at saylesfh.com
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.