Lucy T. Robertson

Lucy Genevieve Trabakino Robertson was born to Salvatore and Susan Pellegrino Trabakino on April 28, 1935. One of ten children, she was raised in the Battle Hill section of White Plains. She attended White Plains schools. Devoted to her parents, she would help her mom carry groceries home after work. Lucy played the violin, was a member of the field hockey team and was a drum majorette at White Plains high School. She contributed to the household by working part time and by taking care of younger nieces and nephews. On January 30,1955 she married Robert W. Robertson (Roe) at Mt. Carmel Church in White Plains. The young couple began their life together in White Plains, eventually moving to East White Plains. Lucy, Roe and their three children became a cornerstone family of Silver Lake. West Harrison was their home.

Early on, Lucy worked as a switchboard operator at ATT and a merchandiser for Alexander's Department Store. She even waitressed at Woolworth's Harvest House. Lucy received training from Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture and worked at St. Agnes Hospital's Hair Salon. During her children's formative years, she could be found in the lunchrooms of St. Bernard's and St Anthony's Elementary schools, and at Good Council Academy. Her volunteer work extended to the Underhill School, Meals on Wheels, Preston School PTA, St. Anthony's Festa and the Ave Maria Guild. She eventually took an administrative position in a medical office. Lucy consistently gave of herself and was always the familiar face who greeted everyone with a smile and kind words.

Lucy's enjoyed knitting and art projects, however family and food were at the center of her life. She continued serving as caregiver and benefactor to many family members and was loved by her many nieces and nephews. To the neighborhood kids, she was always the mom who would provide them with kind words, transportation and snacks. Above all, first and foremost in her life were her grandchildren. Lucy was fiercely proud of her grandchildren. Known to her immediate family as Nanny, she was always part of their lives. She babysat for them, attended their recitals and school plays. She cheered for them during their high school and collegiate athletic events, packing snacks and water bottles just in case refreshments were needed. Whether known as Mrs. Robertson, Nanny or Aunt Lucy, you knew she cherished the simple values of family, faith and service. She attended mass in person on a regular basis. Her mobility decreased in later years. She adjusted by viewing and participating with religious services aired on television. If you stopped by for a visit, she could be found in front of the TV praying the rosary. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was legendary. Lucy lived by a simple maxim; work hard, live within your means, and be proud of what you have.

Lucy is survived by her daughter Debra Robertson Salerno and her husband Richard of West Harrison; son Robert Jr. and his wife Lisa of Stamford, Connecticut; Grandchildren Richie, James, Joey (Amanda), Scott, Julie and great-granddaughter Eve. Lucy was predeceased by her husband Robert and their daughter Susan. In addition, she was predeceased by her parents and nine siblings.

Visitation will be hours will be 4-8pm Thursday February 2nd at Ballard Durand Funeral Home, White Plains. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Friday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, So. Lexington Avenue, White Plains. Entombment to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, White Plains.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harrison Ambulance Corp (EMS)
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