It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robyne Patricia Harlow, of Lawrencetown, Annapolis Valley, at home on June 11, 2025 at the age of 64.

Robyne was born on January 20, 1961 in Guysborough, N.S. to Patricia and the late Ronald Pope. In her younger years, the family settled in the community of Musquodoboit Harbour. She embraced each stage of school life, even balancing a part-time job in retail while still attending high school—something that reflected her determination from early on. After graduating she attended Dalhousie University, but by the end of the first day she shocked her family by changing course with joining the military. She attended "boot camp" in Cornwallis Park as a smaller woman no more than 100lbs, evolving from slender to strong upon finishing. She continued to accomplish a short stint in the military before leaving due to injury. Later she obtained her papers to become a travel agent and moved to Victoria, B.C., then spending 6-months in Whitehorse, Y.T., before returning. She continued her work as a travel agent before relocating to Lower Sackville, N.S. where she met and lived with her late ex-husband Shawn Gillespie and their sons Matthew and Michael, while also holding various local jobs.  As one door closed, another opened when Robyne met Steve through a mutual friend. They quickly discovered their admiration for one another and Robyne, with the boys, moved to Lawrencetown, N.S. to build a life and home with Steve. Robyne worked an admin job at Annapolis Valley Exhibition where she gained friendships & created life long memories, before departing to focus on her home and family. Over her years she enjoyed a family cruise to Bermuda, multiple Pope family reunion trips at the family farm in Bloomfield, O.N., some trips to Mexico, visits with family in O.N. and Canso, N.S., gatherings at their Lawrencetown home during Annapolis Valley Exhibition and more.

Robyne enjoyed collecting crafting supplies and inspiration for projects, as well as rooster décor of various styles. She enjoyed reminiscing of her adventurous childhood memories and working in her gardens, leading to her strawberry jam being a family hit.  It was also uncommon to see her without a can of Pepsi in hand. She loved exploring what treasures could be found at the local yard sales and thrift stores. She continuously wrote letters and exchanged treasures with her crafting friends all over North America. She loved painting and was great at it; toll painting, interior house painting, artwork, all of it. She even painted some of her son Michael's first signs for his business. She adored her two granddaughters Maggie and Shawna, frequently surprising them with treasures of their own. She also had a special place in her heart for Martinique Beach, near where she grew up, where some of her childhood memories were made and was sure to revisit over the years.

Though Robyne is no longer with us, the memories and love she gave will remain in our hearts forever.

Robyne is survived by Stephen Harlow, her devoted husband of 5 years and together 25 years; her mother, Patricia Pope; her siblings, Brian Pope, Wanda Pope and Ronald (Sharon) Pope; her siblings in-law, Les Harlow, Ethel Beers, Cora Aulenbach, Audrey Evans, and Grace Harlow-Gillighan; three sons Matthew Gillespie, Michael (Althea) Gillespie, and step-son Clayton Harlow; her two granddaughters, Maggie and Shawna; her nieces and nephews Tyler, Krista, Rebecca, Ben, Alice, Brendan, Colin, Sean, Joe, Martha ; and her loyal canine companion, Lucy.

She was pre-deceased by her father, Ronald Pope and her sister in-law, Shirley Simmons.

A special thank you to first responders, EHS and the Lawrencetown Fire Department for their care shown to Robyne and her family. There will be no visitation, and the funeral will be held at Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448, on Saturday June 21, at 2:00pm. Pastor Andrew Taylor will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chrysalis House Association or SPCA. Online memories or condolences may be shared by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com