Robyn Kaplan-Cho

Robyn Kaplan-Cho, 59, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 12, 2026. She was surrounded by her family who love her and miss her dearly.

Robyn was selfless, sharp, and witty. She was the best “yes-woman,” ready to take on an adventure and loved to laugh with family and friends. She cared deeply for and was beyond loyal to those lucky enough to be in her inner circle. Robyn was happiest in the presence of her people.

Born on July 28, 1966 and raised in Watertown, Connecticut, Robyn was the daughter of the late Jerome and Leah Kaplan. Robyn attended Watertown High School where she built lifelong bonds with girlfriends who remained her closest friends for fifty years. Some of her most treasured moments were spent with her Watertown crew and their families on the shores of Kennebunkport, Maine, where they vacationed together for over twenty years.

Robyn continued to cultivate strong relationships while attending the University of Rochester and the University of Connecticut School of Law, where she met her husband of thirty-one years, Douglas Cho. Robyn and Doug cherished their time in law school together, sharing countless laughs and late nights with their UConn Law friend group. They married in 1995, and later welcomed three beautiful daughters: Hannah, Cammie, and Grace. Robyn’s daughters were her proudest accomplishment and she savored every moment they spent together.

Even as a working mom, Robyn attended every sporting event and school meeting. Once her daughters went to college, Robyn was always eager to visit them at Vassar, Amherst, and the University of Wisconsin, where she would fit right in with their friends like she was a kid again. Robyn continued to make memories with her girls when they moved to New York City, walking through Central Park, eating at her favorite Italian restaurant, and of course, shopping. She felt happiest and at peace when her girls were all together in one place. Her daughters credit their best traits to Robyn: determination, loyalty, and the ability to always see the glass half full. No one loved Robyn more than her daughters did.

Robyn found immense joy in the small moments in life: late night walks after dinner, people watching on city streets, and cozy evenings on the couch watching (and commenting on) reality shows. She loved sipping her morning coffee while reading the Hartford Courant, enjoying Doug’s homemade pizza, and listening to Spotify’s “Christmas Pop” playlist. Over the last seven years, the North Fork of Long Island evolved into her “happy place," and it became an annual summer tradition for Robyn and her family to walk “67 Steps Beach” and explore the area’s vineyards and lavender fields.

Robyn worked for thirty-three years as an attorney for the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), tirelessly advocating for public school teachers. Her mother Leah, an elementary school teacher for more than thirty years, was her ultimate inspiration. Robyn traveled across Connecticut conducting hundreds of workshops for current and retired teachers who consistently praised her professionalism, dedication, and kindness. She became an expert on teacher retirement, special education, and teacher assault prevention. Robyn fulfilled her passion for helping others and genuinely loved her job, which was a gift.

Robyn is survived by her husband Doug, daughters Hannah, Cammie, and Grace, their beloved Sheepadoodle Puddles; sisters Alanna Kaplan and Shelley Nickles (John), nieces Ceci Munoz, Sadie Munoz, and Kealani Nickles; mother-in-law Sue Cho, and brother-in-law Herman Cho (Kate) and their children.

The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional care and support from Dr. James Flaherty and Dr. Pawan Karanam of Trinity Health of New England, and Dr. Michael Cecchini of Yale New Haven Health. Robyn and her family were extremely grateful to the many healthcare professionals who cared for her at every step of the way.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00am at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119. Donations may be made in her honor to “The Fund for Smilow Cancer Hospital" at Yale New Haven Health, https://givetoynhh.org/areas-to-support/the-fund-for-smilow-cancer-hospital/.