Obituary of Glynis Rachelle Bergsma Robbins

GLYNIS RACHELLE BERGSMA ROBBINS Dec 28 1968 – Aug 23, 2022 died from cardiac arrest following a sudden illness, in Charlotte NC, where she lived with sons Jaren and Gareth.

Glynis was electric, complex, curious, and played many roles: she was a scientist, a theatre triple threat, a Canadian, and most important to her, a Mother. Characterized as “Fierce,” “Bright,” “Prepared,” “Brave,” “Hilarious,” “Beautiful,” and “Everyone’s Cheerleader.” She attacked life with zeal. Her biggest mission was to raise her boys to be happy, caring people, who are dedicated to helping others and their community.

She was born in Kitchener, Ontario, to then student, John, and teacher Barrie Ann Bergsma (deceased 1983). After living in many cities, she planted roots in Charlotte 19 years ago.

She had a Biology Degree from the University of Waterloo and accreditation from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Upon graduation, she traveled the world with an international song and dance group (Up With People). She could play tennis and took up ballroom dance. She was a cinephile, actor, singer and organizer. She was an advocate for many causes. She liked to try new gadgets and taught herself technology and house repair. She was all-in as a mom and friend, and she shared all her talents (and mic tape) with others every chance she got.

She would have loved to see all the wonderful stories about her impact on people. It’s a comfort to us, especially Jaren and Gareth, to see how much their mother was loved.

Glynis is also missed by her father John and step-mother MargAnn, sister Kate and family (Nate, Tatum, Atticus, Emrys), brothers Graham and Andrew and is pre-deceased by mother Barrie Ann. She is remembered by her children’s father Brock Robbins, and many friends and relatives around the world.

We will gather to Celebrate Glynis’ Life where she reinvigorated her love of theatre:

Sept. 17, 2022, 2-5PM, at LEVINE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER (JCC), Gorelick Hall, 5007 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC

Glynis would love her passion for local theater to continue through others. Please consider a donation to the Levine JCC; choose “JStage” and “in Memory of Glynis Bergsma Robbins” at https://www.charlottejcc.org/forms/support-the-levine-jcc/, or to your local community theatre.

There will be an additional celebration in Ontario – details TBD.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

Online condolences can be made at www.HankinsandWhittington.com.