Robin Smith — 1943-2017

Robin Smith

Longtime South Lake Tahoe resident and prolific Lake Tahoe News commenter Robin Smith has died. She was 73.

She died May 7, 2017. She was born to Robert and Trina Mattingly on Aug. 14, 1943.

Robin Mattingly made Tahoe her home in the early 1960s. She married John Cristando in 1971; they were married for eight years.

Robin worked for years at the Stateline casinos, starting as a cocktail server, then becoming a black jack dealer. She often talked about the entertainers and stars she would meet, including Elvis and NASA astronaut Walter Schirra.

Robin lived her life true to her convictions. She was a strong and resilient woman, who was known for her many stories of Nevada’s legends and history. Robin had extensive knowledge of Tahoe gaming and history.

Robin later moved to Las Vegas, where she met longtime companion Brandon Smith, whom she was with for 25 years. They later returned to Tahoe to help care for Robin’s four grandchildren.

Robin blessed her close friends and family with bio-rhythm charts, while being a self-proclaimed astrogist.

Robin is survived by son Robert Cristando; daughters Veronica Flaherty, Stephanie Demsar, and Johnna Cristando; brother Bill Mattingly; sister Trina Ann Threlkeld; grandchildren Alexandra, Daniella, Janez Jr. and Lucas.

There will be a private family service.