(Mara) Lynn DeGroote, passed away in Los Angeles on May 25, 2016. Born June 5, 1932 in St. Louis, to Zelda (Hurwitz) and Morris “Mark” Robbins,  Lynn graduated from Clayton High School, and with an associate degree from Stephens College. She married I. Stanley DeGroote Sept. 6, 1953. They lived in St. Louis MO, Bethesda MD (as Stanley worked at the Pentagon, where he became head of the Army’s Foreign Military Sales program), Sarasota FL, and Dallas TX. Lynn was widowed in 2006 and later moved to Los Angeles CA.   

Lynn’s career included work at National Training Labs and multiple volunteer positions (Temple Board Member, President National Council of Jewish Women D.C., Ringling Art Museum Docent).    

She loved travel, entertaining, art museums, local art, family, friends and above all her grandchildren!  She had strong friendships in every city she lived in, and was known, among other qualities, for her grounded optimism, sound judgment, and especially for her exceptional warmth and accessibility. She will be dearly missed.

Lynn is survived by a son Stanley DeGroote, Jr. (Michelle DeGroote) of West Windsor, NJ, a daughter Carol DeGroote Elkind (Michael Elkind) of Sherman Oaks, CA, as well as by five grandchildren (Joshua, Jessa and Jordon DeGroote) (Elisa and Judy Elkind), a brother Irving Robbins of Houston TX, a sister-in-law Mrs. Marc (Barbara) Birgé of Dallas TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the National Council of Jewish Women or your charity of choice.