Robin Geske Wahl

Obituary For Robin Geske Wahl

Our beloved mother, Robin Geske Wahl, 97, of Bellingham, stepped from this world into the universe, with acceptance and good nature on September 2nd, 2026.

She was born in Bellingham on July 3rd, 1929, and grew up in its South Hill neighborhood, graduating from Bellingham High School in 1947, and from Western Washington College of Education (today WWU) in 1950, as an elementary school teacher.

Robin married Terry Wahl, our father, another South Hill resident, in 1951.

A devoted mother, wife, teacher, and student of the world, she leaves us a legacy of love of books, friends, children, travel and nature. She had an open mind that gave to many others, especially us, her children, a sense of curiosity – which never left her – and the desire to constantly learn and accept the variations that make up this world.

Robin’s first job was at the Fairhaven Library, where at age twelve she assisted the librarians and was in her favorite environment.

She taught many children in the 1st and 3rd grades, was a school librarian for years, and never neglected her own children’s education. We got much more than most. Inspired to read by a treasured pre-bedtime ritual (we were read the Iliad and the Odyssey, the Hobbit, Beowulf, and much more), we all became avid readers from very small children.

Our mother was not an inspired cook, but she always fixed dinner regardless.

She rode her bike to work when nobody did that, skirt waving in the breeze, small daughter in a bike seat.

She played the piano, accordion, and concertina.

Her gardens were always of great importance to her, and became that to all of us, too.

She knitted, sewed, quilted, read voluminously (always), studied German, Spanish, and taught English to people who needed to learn, well past her retirement. Volunteering to help those in assisted living, she taught basic sewing to some both older and younger than she.

All this while raising six children, who became lovers of nature, teachers, a musician, a scientist, an artist, an urban planner, and traveling as often as she could in Europe.

Robin was predeceased by our father, Terry Wahl.

She leaves behind, never to be forgotten by: Jamie Wahl of McNeal, AZ, Tim Wahl of Bellingham, Erin Wahl of Edmonds, Maura Wahl of Tucson, AZ, Brendan Wahl of Bellingham, and Megan Wahl of Edmonds, as well as eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many friends of many ages.

In her memory, please consider donating to the Whatcom Literacy Council.

A celebration of Robin’s life (she was disappointed that she’ll miss the party) will be held Sunday, November 15th, from 1-4 pm, at the family home.

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