Former Massage Today columnist Robin Zill passed away Nov. 19, 2007, surrounded by family and friends. She leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Stewart Griffith, her son Hart Griffith and her daughter Aubrey Griffith, as well as many extended family members.

She and her husband founded Touch America, a Hillsborough, North Carolina-based business, in 1996. Zill also owned and operated the Ousia Spa. She gained prominence professionally as a leader and innovator in massage therapy and in promoting the use of spa therapies for health as well as for beauty. She also served on the board of directors of the International Spa Association and remained a leader in that industry until her death.

According to an online obituary posted by her family, "Robin managed her illness as she managed her life, with independence, innovation and commitment to values and ideals. She insisted on quality of life for herself, just as she had worked to enhance the quality of life for many others throughout her lifetime. Her leadership and inspiration have touched many and will continue to do so for many years to come."

A service will be held at 3 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2008, at Friends School. The memorial will be followed by a potluck/dance gathering to celebrate Robin's life at Valhalla. For more information, contact her husband Stewart at stewart@touchamerica.com or Jane at janezill@comcast.net. The family suggests memorial gifts be directed to http://cms.komen.org/komen/donations/index.htm or www.water.org.