Yountville Veteran's Home Employee Dies Of Coronavirus

YOUNTVILLE, CA — A longtime employee of the California Veteran's Home, Yountville, died from the coronavirus this week. Vallejo resident Gwendolyn "Gwen" Robinson, 62, worked at the Napa Valley facility for more than 12 years, most recently in the volunteer office.

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share news about the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gwendolyn 'Gwen' Robinson," California Veteran's Home, Yountville wrote in a Facebook post. "Gwen's passion and devotion to our veterans always went above and beyond. We all found comfort in her beautiful smile. Our thoughts and hearts are with Gwen’s family and friends."

Cal Vet Spokesman Joshua Kiser said he was not able to give specifics about residents or staff at the Yountville Home. Kiser did, however, provide the following statement:

"Among our approximately 2,300 employees across our eight homes, we've administered nearly 3,400 tests and 41 have come back positive (one was the same employee twice). All but 10 of those employees have been cleared to return to work and unfortunately, one has passed away. Among our approximately 2100 residents, we've administered nearly 3,300 tests, and five have come back positive. Sadly, two of those elderly veterans have passed away."

Robinson's family members do not think she contracted the virus at work, but said she started feeling ill while at work July 14. The grandmother of nine and longtime San Francisco 49ers fan had underlying medical issues including asthma and a blood condition, and was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Vallejo, where she died Saturday.

Robinson loved her job and loved showering the residents with gifts and donations, her daughter Ebony told KTVU.

"It was her way of showing appreciation to them for serving our country," Ebony said in an interview with the news station.

As of Friday morning, more than $8,000 in donations had been made to a GoFundMe campaign for Robinson's memorial expenses.

Her husband of 35 years, Keith Robinson, remained hospitalized Thursday with the coronavirus.

"It is real and it has devastated our family in a matter of a week," Ebony said.