Sherry Dana Robbins
BOWDOIN – On March 18, 2025, Sherry Dana Robbins, of Bowdoin, passed away peacefully at home, holding her husband’s hand, after facing Alzheimer’s Disease and lung cancer with strength and grace.
Born August 18, 1942, in Waterville, Maine, Sherry was the youngest of the four Dana children, arriving 20 minutes after her twin brother, Steve. She grew up in Portland’s Deering neighborhood and attended schools along Stevens Avenue, earning degrees from Westbrook College and the University of Southern Maine. In 1988, she obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston University.
Sherry met the love of her life, Ralph A. Robbins, in 1962 and they married on Oct. 29, 1966. Together, they built a life full of love, resilience, and shared adventures. They endured the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Stephen, but found immense joy in adopting their daughter, Judy, in 1977. She remained the light of their lives ever since.
Sherry dedicated her career to helping others, working in adoption services where she counseled families and spoke at conferences across the country. Her compassion, empathy, and fierce advocacy touched countless lives. She was especially proud of her work supporting children and families navigating adoption.
Sherry loved being outdoors, creating special memories with her three grandchildren, tending to her gardens, swimming, and running. Over 35 years, she and Ralph ran more than 16,000 miles together. She also had a special place in her heart for animals, known for enthusiastically greeting every dog she met with her signature, “Wooshy wooshy woooo!”
Sherry was predeceased by her parents, Philip Dana Jr. and Florence Skillings Dana Clough; and her son, Stephen.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ralph; their daughter, Judy; and three grandchildren, Emily, Jax, and Josh, all of Bowdoin. She is also survived by her siblings, Virginia Windmuller of New Jersey, Judith Parker of Cumberland, and her twin brother Stephen Dana (Dorothy) of Victoria Island, British Columbia;
along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at a later date.
In Sherry’s memory, donations to a local animal shelter of your choosing are welcome—she adored
animals and believed everyone deserves love
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