Irene Robb, lifelong avid traveler

Irene Robb, a longtime Lewes and Milton resident, passed away Wednesday, June 12, at the age of 89.

Born Aug. 26, 1934, to Mento and Irene Soponis of Minersville, Pa., Irene grew up the second of six children. She attended the local Lithuanian Catholic Primary School and then Minersville High School where she was valedictorian. She received a scholarship to attend Temple University Pharmacy School in Philadelphia.

After graduating from pharmacy school, Irene moved to Washington, D.C., for a job with People’s Drug Store. After working for two years, she decided to travel with her sister Clare and two friends. They traveled for eight months across Europe, and her love of travel would continue throughout her life.

In 1960, Irene’s life changed when she met the love of her life, Maury Robb. They were married Sept. 22, 1962, in Washington, D.C. In 1963, they decided to build a home in a new community called Tantallon, located in Fort Washington, Md. In September 1965, they adopted a son, Michael, and then had Chris in 1968. Irene was a part-time pharmacist and a freelance writer while raising her two boys, and she also was a community activist. She served as president of the community association, president of the Prince George’s County League of Women Voters and president of the Prince George’s County Historical Society. She was recently recognized as a Woman of Achievement for her work as a preservationist in PG County.

In 1993, Irene and Maury retired to Lewes, built a home and enjoyed retirement living. Irene enjoyed her writing, and became active at St. Jude Catholic Church, the Lewes Historical Society and Teams of Our Lady. In 2008, they built a home in Paynter’s Mill outside Milton. In 2019, they moved to Fredericksburg, Va., to be closer to family.

A private burial service will be held Friday, June 28, in Lewes. Irene was a wonderful wife of 60+ years to Maury (who passed away last year); mother (survived by son Chris and his wife Della); grandmother (survived by Phoebe and Simone); and friend to many.