Robin Zihala-Zander

Robin A. Zihala-Zander, 56, of West Haven entered into rest on June 16, 2022.  Born in Milford on March 18, 1966, she was a daughter of the late John J. and Leslie Conley Zihala.  Growing up in Milford, Robin attended Pumpkin Delight, Kay Ave. Middle School and graduated from Jonathan Law in 1984. Her interests and hobbies were many and varied. She loved spending time walking on the beach and collecting shells, gardening, collecting vintage post cards and decorating her home for the holidays. Let us not forget her extensive collections of teddy bears and Hummels! Most important though was spending time with her family and close friends with trips to Beardsley Zoo, Mystic and Norwalk Aquariums, mini road trips to Newport and Misquamicut. As front-end supervisor at Stop & Shop for 35 years and working 10 years at Christmas Tree Shops, Robin was well known by patrons at both stores.

Throughout her illness, Robin was surrounded by her caring children and friends including her daughter Jessica (Joseph) Olenick, son Jon (Kate) Zander and her incredibly special group Yvonne & Doug, Donna & Tom, Jackie & Dave, Dee & Joe, Pat & Vinnie who provided endless rides, meals, shopping, love, support and prayers.  In addition, Robin’s special family, the Jess’s of Milford, who “if it weren’t for them, she would have been lost.”  Besides her children and friends, Robin leaves her adored grandsons Lukas and Elliott and her third grandson on the way; brother Greg B. Zihala, her sister Gail A. (Robert) Lachowski & last, but not least, her sweet cat Meka.

Friends may visit on Sunday June 26 between 1 and 3 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. Remembrances will be shared at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ctcancerfoundation.org or to the joeandruzzifoundation.org. Please wear purple to the visitation, a nod to Robin’s favorite color. Feel free to leave a message on our website for Robin’s family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robin Zihala-Zander, please visit our floral store.