Robin Miles Kuo
April 10, 1954 – December 1, 2023
Robin Kuo, 69, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on the afternoon of Friday December 1, 2023.
She was predeceased by her parents, Shirley and Larry Kuo, brother David, and brother-in-law Bob Howerton. She is survived by her daughters Isabelle Howerton (Spencer Itrich) and Amelia Howerton, husband Jim Howerton, sister Julie Kuo (Mark Eaton), sister-in-law Carolyn Kuo, brother-in-law David Howerton, nieces Lauren Bailie (Sean), Jamie Howerton, Eleanor Eaton and Abigail Eaton, and nephews Evan Kuo (Kelly) and Sam Eaton, and great nieces Ellie and Sydney Bailie and Emmy Kuo. She is also survived by the lifelong friends she made at McDonnell Douglas and Wells Fargo, New City School and MICDS.
Robin will be remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, penchant for random acts of kindness, tenacious work ethic, and advocacy for social justice. She was fiercely loyal to her causes whether they be the people around her, her daughters, or the many charities she supported. An ardent feminist, Robin rallied to any cause that raised the banner of the rights she held dear, human, women’s, LGBTQ or otherwise. Her “BS” meter was highly tuned and rarely did she hesitate to call out when it pegged the sensor. She might have held a strong opinion or two.
She was generous almost to a fault, single–handedly keeping Amazon afloat by doing her Christmas shopping year-round (we hope to find all of the gifts for this past Christmas by the time the next holiday season arrives).
Robin was a devoted fan of “Hamilton” having attended multiple performances, here and in other cities. If you spent any amount of time as a passenger in her car (truck), you too would be able to sing along to the soundtrack. It was only the advent of “Hamilton” that caused her to replace her beloved annual Ruth Bader Ginsburg calendars.
In her short retirement she watched every season of “Schitt’s Creek”, “NCIS” and “Ted Lasso” multiple times. She would take extended breaks to tune in to The Hallmark Channel.
She was extremely proud of her daughters, independent women who continue proudly in the tradition of their mother.
Robin touched the lives and gave of herself to so many people, and to say her presence will be missed does not do it justice. A celebration of life service will take place for friends, family, and loved ones in the spring of 2024.
Her ashes will be spread in San Francisco harbor to co mingle with those of her father Larry and brother David
Donations in her memory may be made to Planned Parenthood, KWMU-National Public Radio or to a charity of your choice.
Robin was a very unique person and very well read. She could talk to anyone and make them feel special. I send my condolences to her family
I will always remember Robin, caring, giving, and her great sense of humor! She was great to work for at WFA. We are WOMEN of NOW, the Seventies were very profound and moving for Women our Age! I hope she is enjoying a conversation with Ruth (RBG) right now!! May her Angels always be near in our Lord’s Heaven! Prayers to All her lovely family, I know Robin is missed every day!☆♡☆
I was lucky to grow up next door to Robin, her sister, Julie, brother, David and parents Larry and
Shirley. I knew even the how fortunate we were to have her and her family next door. She has always been a role model and example to me and so many others of what it means to be a caring and socially responsible person. And in that respect and others, she remains with us. We need more people like Robin in this world. My most heartfelt condolences to her family.
This is such sad news to hear. Robin was a classmate from kindergarten (Kratz Elementary) through high school. As one of the very few Asian-Americans in a very Anglo community, Robin drew attention. But it was her confident intelligence that never failed to engage. Although typecast to sing “Sakura” in elementary school, I remember Robin leading the class in the chorus and performing with a strength and pride that clearly sustained her throughout life.
While Robin and I attended Kratz Elementary we never shared a classroom or knew each other. However there are few memories I have from 7th grade through high school at Ritenour that do not feature Robin Miles Kuo prominently. We were inseparable, and she was in my wedding. Robin was incredibly intelligent, articulate in her beliefs, very funny and charming and a true friend who was always “there” for me! We both missed our reunion 2 years ago but we spent the evening together via Messenger reliving our shared youth! I was so looking forward to reconnecting in person on my next return to St. Louis!
If you were friends or family with Robin, you were very blessed in this life! My deepest sympathy to Jim, Izzy Mia, Julie and their families.
I was lucky to have worked with Robin at McDonnell Douglas for several years. Robin was always kind. She will be greatly missed. My condolences to Jim and to her entire family.