Olive Elizabeth Robertson, 91, passed away peacefully after a short illness on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
She was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland, on Oct. 22, 1930, the second daughter of the late John and Christina (Higgins) Malcolm. A survivor of the Second World War Blitz, she fondly remembered her years in Bonnie Scotland which she forever considered to be her home. She frequently said, “You can take the girl out of Scotland, but you can’t take Scotland out of the girl.”
Olive and her mother moved from Scotland to Brooklyn when she was nineteen years old. It was there that Olive would meet her loving husband of 70 years, William Scott Robertson.
Olive and Bill welcomed their first son, Keith Malcolm into their loving care. He was expected to live only a few weeks, but went on to live 35 wonderful years. She was a loving presence and fierce advocate for Keith all of his life.
Olive took a job at the ARC in Monticello to be close to her son Keith who worked there. She had a deep love for all of her precious clients and took pride in starting a choir with many of them. She got them church robes and traveled around with them as they performed and sang their hearts out. She fondly remembers their joy and the joy they brought to so many others.
Olive was a minister’s wife and she proudly spread love to every church she and Bill served. She had a caring heart and a loving soul. All who met her were enchanted by her joy and zest for life.
Olive is survived by her beloved family; husband, William; daughter Christine Shillieto (Gordon); son Lyle Robertson; granddaughter Noelle Granger (Kristian); grandson Ian Conkling (Amanda); great-grandchildren Gavin and Jaxen Granger and Rowan and Oban Conkling.
Olive was predeceased by her beloved son, Keith Robertson and her sister, Christine Rowe.
She is also survived by her much loved nephew, David Rowe (Australia) and very special cousins, Willa Tosh and son, Jim Tosh in Scotland.
Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will be held Friday, Dec. 3, from 12 noon until 2 p.m., where a service to celebrate Olive’s life will follow at 2 at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, with Dr. Lisa Mays officiating. A private burial will be held in the spring at Walton Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. To leave a message of peace and comfort for Olive’s family, visit www.courtneyfh.com.
