S. Ostfeld Robin

Robin Sue Ostfeld, mother, wife, organic farmer, agricultural research collaborator, constant reader, and orchid lover, died the morning of August 26th on the farm she and her husband, Llywolaf Johns, established in Lodi, New York nearly 30 years ago.

Blue Heron Farm has become an institution in the Finger Lakes and beyond. Their produce, plants and flowers are enjoyed at the Ithaca Farmers Market; Greenstar Co-op; many local restaurants including the Stonecat Café, Hazelnut Kitchen, and Dano❜s; as well as Park Slope Food Co-op and Angelica Kitchen in New York City.

Robin, a woman of incisive wit and conviction, was loved by those who knew her-friends, customers, colleagues, and co-workers alike. She worked tirelessly on the farm, performing the daily tasks required by the season, and handled the business of the farm with an abundance of insight, generosity and creativity. Her engagement with farmers, researchers, and local restaurants enriched her own life as well as many of those in the community. Her love of plants was not limited to those grown for the farm itself, and her greenhouses and gardens were expertly tended and bountiful in every season.

Robin is survived by her husband, Llywolaf (Lou) Johns; her daughter, Sharon Ostfeld-Johns, MD (Todd Foley); sister, Barbara Ostfeld (Todd Joseph); brother, Richard Ostfeld (Felicia Keesing); mother, Ruth Ostfeld; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Ostfeld-Johns, and her father, Adrian Ostfeld. Blue Heron Farm will continue to operate under the leadership of Lou and the current farm manager, Zachary Kaplan-Moss, supported by a committed crew of workers.

The memory of Robin Ostfeld will be a perennial blessing to all who knew her.

A service to honor her and her legacy will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 5pm at the Ithaca Farmers Market. All are welcome.

Donations in her memory can be made to Planned Parenthood or the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA). Funds can also be contributed to dedicate a bench in her name at the Ithaca Farmers Market.