Margaret Robben Obituary

Margaret Burger Robben
Margaret Burger Robben, born on August 21, 1934 in the Bronx, peacefully passed away in Stamford on July 13, 2025, at the age of 90.
Margie lived boldly from the start. She married at 18, welcomed her first child at 20, and had five children by the age of 30. Never one to sit still for long, she decided at 38 to pursue higher education - ultimately earning a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University, where she graduated magna cum laude. It was a remarkable achievement, but for Margie, just another example of setting her mind to something and making it happen.
An activist throughout her life, Margie never hesitated to take action when she saw a problem. Whether it was founding a branch of the public library in Island Trees (Levittown, NY), being a founding member of the Emmaus Community, opening a coffee house for teens in Stamford in the 1970s, or championing girl power in a family full of boys, she always rose to the occasion with determination and heart.
A gifted athlete, Margie was the first female to win the Babe Ruth Award at Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx. A self-taught tennis player, she went on to win the Women's Singles Tennis Tournament in Stamford during the 1970s.
She was outspoken, often unapologetically so - and whatever filter she may have had only faded with age. But with Margie, you always knew where you stood. Described by those who knew her as strong, loving, fiercely intelligent, generous and endlessly curious, Margie lived with conviction and purpose. She was the beloved matriarch of a remarkable family, whose love and example shaped generations. Her legacy lives on through her 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each a reflection of the strength, wit and resilience she embodied.
In her later years, Margie unexpectedly became a viral sensation as "Grandma Marge", after a hilarious tweet featuring her candid commentary took off online. She was soon featured on Good Morning America and papers nationally. Her fifteen minutes of fame culminated in style with an unforgettable ride around the Wells Fargo Center on a Zamboni during her grandson, Cam's, first game with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Marge was predeceased by her husband, John Robben; her parents, Francis and Josephine Burger; her sisters, Frances Collins and Patricia Shirley; and her son-in-law Thomas Bisanzo.
She is survived by her sister Claire Bedford, her children: Susan Bisanzo, Janet Smith (Mark), Ellen Atkinson (Tom), John Robben, and Robert Robben (Sheila); her grandchildren: Mark, Catherine, Gigi, Christopher, Gregory, Stephen, Tommy, Cam, Brett, Scott, Bailey, Patrick, Elizabeth, Mary Caroline; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Services will be private. Castiglione's Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit castiglionefh.com . Donations in Margie's name may be made to ForceNetwork.com , a charitable organization for our first responders.