Colorado Springs
Gay Robin Labrum, 70, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at home with her loving husband, Melvin James Labrum, at her side.
She was born on June 27, 1954, in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of the late David E. and Anne Geyer.
In 1970, at 16, Gay Robin went to Europe for three weeks with her folk dancing instructor, Rose Chiazza. They travelled to Holland, Germany, Belgium and England; she could have danced her way around the world!
In 1972, she graduated from high school. In 1982, she received her bachelor’s degree from Wheeling College (later Wheeling University). While there, she had two poems published in the school’s magazine, “Jewelweed.” These were “Love Poem” (in the style of Nikki Giovanni) and “Hey Goalie(Oberon wants to push the puck around awhile).”
She received her master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburg in 1990.
She lived in Eugene, Oregon and Pittsburg before moving to Colorado Springs in 1990, where she met the love of her life, James. They were married on January 11, 1992, in Wheeling, West Virginia and honeymooned in Hawaii. She and James recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary.
A son, Joshua Adam, was born September 10, 1993. Joshua was profoundly special-needs and had a wonderful smile. He loved to listen to his beloved mother sing to him. He passed away on March 25, 2013.
Gay Robin was a superb storyteller, sharing her talent at local libraries and at Starsmore Discovery Center. She was known as The Angel Lady because of the scores of handcrafted seashell angels she made and gave away; they brightened so many lives. She played the guitar and loved to listen to James Taylor, Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers. She was an advocate for special-needs parents and had the article “Special Thoughts: A Special Parent Shares Words of Wisdom,” published in the magazine, Exceptional Parent.
Gay Robin is survived by her husband, James, her stepdaughter, Sheyla (Alex) Rochelle, and step-grandchildren: Belle Marie and Jackson Randall.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Scattering will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Rock of Ages.
Special thanks to G.R.A.N. INC and to Pikes Peak Hospice.
G. Jeanne Marcello
11 Mar 2025Heartfelt condolences to Jim and close friends who knew her so well. I only knew Gay Robin was a dedicated Mom, and a tenacious friend. Her seashell angels have touched many hearts over the years. I have no doubt that her reunion with her son Joshua in Heaven was treasured joyfully by both.