In Loving Memory
The Legal Aid Society of San Diego recently lost a dear friend, a committed volunteer, and a compassionate advocate for the poor and disenfranchised people throughout San Diego County.
Mary LaQuita Johnson Robbins, affectionately known as “LaQuita”, was born on May 5, 1932 and departed this life on May 3, 2018 at the age of 85. She worked for the City of San Diego from 1970 until her retirement in 1991. LaQuita had a passion and a zest for life, travel, and the Buffalo Soldiers. But, most of all, she believed in giving back to her community through her volunteerism. LaQuita was a founding member of the Martin Luther King Democratic Club of San Diego. She was a member of the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, the League of Women Voters of San Diego, and the Fair Housing Council of San Diego.
LaQuita also served as a Supervisor Monitor responsible for monitoring family court ordered visits between parents and their minor children. But, as far as we are concerned, LaQuita’s greatest gift was the incredible love and loyalty she bestowed on the Legal Aid Society of San Diego and all of its clients, staff, board members, and volunteers. LaQuita was a most influential member of the Legal Aid Society’s Board of Directors from 1970 until her passing some 48 years later. She was a member of the Executive Committee, the Goals & Priorities Committee, and the Personnel Committee. She was a leading voice on the committee that hired our current CEO to lead our firm 44 years ago. Through her work on behalf of the Legal Aid Society, she also became a member of the board of the National Consumer Law Center in Boston, Massachusetts. LaQuita was a unique pillar in our community, a courageous woman, and a bold activist who was always professional, and the epitome of poise and class. She was our muse, always trying to make the Legal Aid Society the best it could be for all of the clients that might pass through our doors. She was our confidant, our shoulder to cry on and, at critical times, our conscience.
On May 3, 2018, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego lost its Godmother and we may never be the same again. But, LaQuita’s memory will remain with us forever, and she will continue to guide us in everything we do.
Providing Free Legal Assistance for People Living in San Diego County Who Qualify for Our Services
