Robin Michelle Adams

Robin Michelle Adams, daughter of the late Robert Bruce Adams and Barbara Lois Thomas Adams, was born November 19, 1965 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. She was the youngest of three children and had two loving brothers, Bruce Anthony Adams and Gregory Mark Adams. She also was the youngest of ten Adams grandchildren and often was referred to as “Baby Cuz” for being the last of her generation in the family.

Robin and her family lived in New Brunswick until 1974 when they moved to Highland Park, New Jersey. Robin graduated from Highland Park High School (Go Owls!) in 1983. During her high school years, Robin was a member of the Drill Team.

In May of 1984, Robin gave birth to the love of her life, Nicole Lanee Adams, affectionately known as Nikki. From that moment on, Robin and Nikki were inseparable. Robin embraced and adored Motherhood, for it was her greatest joy! As an adoring Mother, Robin would often laugh and make good humor of little Nikki’s mischief as a young girl. As Nikki grew into a teenager and adult, they would share their favorite recipes and jam-out to Robin’s favorite music - which she insisted on passing on to her little girl. As a matter of fact, Robin and Nikki could be found on any given evening singing, dancing, and cooking in the kitchen! Cooking and baking were their language of love, and they generously shared their cooking with loved ones, always carefully making favorite meals for friends and family and maintaining an open-door policy, and all were welcome. The mother-daughter duo had several signature and requested dishes and sides; ironically, Robin was an extremely picky eater as a child. Poor thing would only eat plain, unseasoned, white, unbuttered, mashed potatoes or plain, maybe buttered, pasta but only in certain shapes. This is quite shocking because the “poor thing” turned into a culinary whiz in the kitchen! Who knew this talent was “brewing” within?!

In 1997, Robin decided to pursue higher education in paralegal studies at Berkley College in NYC, where she excelled in the program. Early into her 2nd year of college, Robin was diagnosed with Chronic Renal Disease (Kidney Failure). During the diagnosis, it was discovered that she was born with only one kidney. As a result, Robin had to temporarily put her educational goals on hold while tending to her health. This was a lifelong journey in which Robin proved to be a warrior. Robin stared at her challenge with kidney disease in the face and never surrendered. Amid her own struggles, Robin inspired others, including doctors, friends, and family, who found themselves fighting the same battle. Even in the face of illness, Robin maintained her independence and a strong work ethic. She successfully managed several jobs, most recently at Leitner, Tort, Defazio & Brause, where her hard work and determination led to her promotion to Paralegal Assistant. An achievement that reflected her dedication and resilience.

On November 24, 2025, Robin won her battle and was notified she was finally going to receive the kidney that she fought so hard and long for. This would be her 4th kidney transplant. Although there were times when the disease became overwhelming, coupled with all of life’s ups and downs, she never gave up, she never gave in, and her faith in the Lord was strong. Even though the final outcome of the surgery was beyond her control, Robin was VICTORIOUS in her battle. God decided to give her the ultimate reward and called her home to Heaven.

Robin touched many people in her life. She loved to spend time with her girlfriends, many of whom formed their bond as young children and remained friends for over 50 years. On birthdays and special occasions, Robin would often make beautiful bracelets and jewelry to celebrate her loved ones with a personal gift. Robin was a gifted jewelry maker and took time to share her gift with those she cherished. Robin enjoyed vacations and road trips to visit family in Virginia and North Carolina. Robin never missed or passed on an opportunity to spend quality time with her cherished family, whether it was a birthday party, a BBQ, or the Graham St. block party in her hometown of Highland Park - she was there!

Robin was a faithful and devoted Christian and a member of Abundant Life Family Worship Church. She placed a large emphasis on her faith in God and prayed for those she loved. When she stepped into a room, hearts were joyful and at ease. She will always be remembered for her quiet and gentle way of supporting and her calming and reassuring presence.

Robin is predeceased by her parents; her brother, Gregory Mark Adams; her grandparents, Ernest and Ethel Adams and Charles “Junie” and Charlotte Thomas; her aunts, Delores Adams, Gwendolyn Adams, Marion Neal, and Charlotte “Gail” McNorton; and her uncle, Donald Neal, Sr. Robin is survived by her only daughter Nicole; her brother Bruce (Sheila); aunt, June Eads (Frank); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and her beloved “Eden Avenue kids.” And, of course, the family dog Rose.