Robin French (nee Reder) entered eternal rest with her Lord on November 28, 2024. She was born in Berwyn, Illinois on December 22, 1952 to Bernice and Robert Reder (who precede her in death). After graduating from Miami of Ohio, she married Michael French in August 1974. They just celebrated their 50th anniversary.
Prior to moving to Bowling Green, Robin lived in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Kansas. While in Wisconsin, Robin and Michael adopted their two children, Christopher and Emily. After moving to BG in 1989 Robin joined the staff at St. Aloysius Catholic Church as Director of RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). She especially received graces from her work guiding her students in their journey to the Catholic Church. Robin especially enjoyed canoe camping, travel (especially Maine and Ireland), quilting, and singing in church choirs. The highlight of her summers was the French family crawfish boil.
In 2004, Robin suffered a stroke that left her with many physical and mental challenges. She further suffered broken bones, a heart condition, and MS complications. In spite of this she continued as a valued member at St. Aloysius participating in parish committees, bible study, and retreat work. Robin especially liked listening to Annunciation Radio – she said it was her daily prayer. At BGSU she participated in programs for adults with stroke related speech differences. As she was able, Robin traveled with her husband in their VMI conversion van. Robin was a model of grace to those who knew her—always happy and aware of others—a model of serenity.
Robin was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Erin Marie who died in 1979.
She is survived by her husband Michael, son Christopher (Carolina) of Dickenson, Texas, daughter Emily Sullivan (Brian) of Bowling Green and two grandsons: Conor Michael Sullivan and Oliver James French. Robin was fourth of six children – five siblings survive her: Roberta Slaby (Ed) in Bourbonnais, Illinois, Ronald Reder (Vicky) in Farmington, New Mexico, Robert Reder (Mariana) in Surry, Maine, Reneé Zalatoris (Mark) in Glenview, Illinois and Russell Reder (Lori) in Libertyville, Illinois. Robin was also aunt to several nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Robin and Michael were especially thankful for her two main caregivers, Jeannine Stencil and Sue Ann Houtz.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. A scripture service will be held Wednesday evening at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday December 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church 150 N. Enterprise St. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Robin C. French Theology scholarship at Lourdes University as well as the French Family Research Fund in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at BGSU. Also please consider a contribution to Annunciation Radio in Robin’s name.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
