LANCASTER – A plan to move the remains of a woman buried at a local cemetery is being opposed by some of the late woman’s family members, and they’re asking for the public’s help in funding a legal battle to block the relocation.
Robin Klajic died in January of 2013 at the age of 33, and she was buried at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster, according to her sister, Nicole McKenzie.
“She had a 13-year-old son at the time that was sent to live with his dad,” McKenzie said. “We decided it would be best to bury Robin at Joshua Memorial less than 2 miles from where her son would be living so that he could have a place to visit his mother whenever he wanted. We were trying to make this awful experience less traumatic.”
McKenzie said she and the boy’s father, Eddie Ramirez, helped cover the cost to bury Robin. About a third of the funeral expenses were covered by Robin’s adoptive mother, former Santa Clarita mayor and councilwoman Jill Klajic, McKenzie said.
McKenzie said she was shocked when the funeral home contacted her recently to inform her that Jill Klajic planned to relocate Robin’s remains more than four hours away to a cemetery in Turlock, Calif.
“They have provided me no paperwork, no court orders, nothing… just to say that Jill Klajic hired an attorney and they do not want to get into the middle of it,” McKenzie said. “I do not understand how she can do this… We are looking for help to stop this from happening.”
“My sister hated this woman and had a restraining order against her when she died,” McKenzie claimed. She forwarded this document to The AV Times to prove her claim.
Contacted by telephone, Jill Klajic gave her side of the story.
“I’m the only mother [Robin] has ever had. I raised her from the time she was 2 years old,” Jill Klajic said. “Nicole [McKenzie] is a half-sister to Robin and Robin had very little to do with her until the last couple years of her life.”
During those years Robin was living in Burbank and she was addicted to prescription drugs, Jill Klajic said. Robin also reconnected with her biological mother, whom Jill claims supplied Robin with drugs.
“This was the mother from hell… her mother would go from doctor to doctor and get her the drugs that she needed,” Jill Klajic said. “The detective that investigated Robin’s death told me that she died from neglect… they were feeding her pills up until she died, she choked to death.”
In the weeks before her untimely passing, Robin reached out to her with a cry for help, Jill Klajic said.
“There was a phone message; it said, ‘Mom, I want to come home,’” Jill Klajic said, adding that she desperately tried to reach Robin, but could not get through. She said she was absolutely devastated when Robin passed away Jan. 23, 2013. Jill Klajic directed The AV Times to a memorial page she created for Robin and a letter she wrote honoring her “sweet funny young daughter’s life.” Read it here.
Jill Klajic denied being served with a restraining order concerning Robin Klajic. She said their relationship had become strained as she tried to get Robin off drugs, and Robin had threatened a restraining order but the document was never served.
Jill Klajic remains adamant about her plans to relocate Robin’s grave and says she expects it to be done “sometime this summer.”
“I’m 69 years old; I want my daughter with me in Turlock,” Jill Klajic said. “I never intended to leave her in Lancaster. She hated Lancaster.”
Robin’s son, now 15, can visit his mother’s grave in Turlock whenever he wants, Jill Klajic said. She said she would transport the boy herself if that is what it required.
The boy’s father, Eddie Ramirez, is hoping for a compromise.
“I tried talking to Jill, telling her, ‘Can you hold on for three more years?’” Ramirez said. “Leave Robin in Lancaster until my son turns 18 and goes off to college or the military. But Jill doesn’t want to wait, she wants her now. And that’s why she got an attorney involved.”
Robin’s son is shattered at the prospect of losing his mother all over again, according to McKenzie. Family and friends are reaching out to the public for help.
“I am requesting help in hiring an attorney to explore Robin’s son’s legal rights as well as to stop Joshua Memorial from exhuming Robin’s body until her son is 18 and can decide what he wants to do,” McKenzie said. “He should not have to deal with such trauma on top of what he has already had to go through at such a crucial time in his developing teenage years. This could emotionally scar him forever.”
Residents wishing to assist the family in this effort should contact Nicole McKenzie at jjmgirl@hotmail.com.
A representative from Joshua Memorial Park on Friday said the funeral home would not comment on the matter in order to respect the privacy of all parties involved.
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Partners in "crime" lol says
I knew Robin…we went to school together and I know Jill. None of the extra past family issues are important now. Jill loved Robin and although Robin had strong issues with Jill she loved her too. However what IS important is that Jason was Robin’s love…her heart and her everything. If Jason wants her near him then that IS what Robin would want to be done. We are all adults…Jason is not and Robin would want us to protect him and look out for his best interests.. Thank you Nicole for being Jason’s advocate..Robin can rest peacefully knowing you have her sons heart at number 1 in your mind. God bless you. Xoxo
Jill Klajic says
My daughter Robin Klajic and I only had 3 problems between us 1. She would not leave an abusive relationship 2. Her addiction to prescription drugs. 3. She was ashamed of herself (She knew both were destroying her life and her sons)
To my dear daughter Robin Danika Klajic;
In a few days it will be 3 long painful years since the doctor came into your hospital room and told me, “As of 4:00 PM today, Jan. 23, I am going to pronounce your daughter Robin Danika Klajic, brain dead. I am very sorry, there was nothing we could do. This in the long run will save you from the pain of having to sign all the required forms.”
My breath left me and my heart leaped into my throat,, my legs gave way, I thought I was going to choke to death. I looked up at the clock quickly, hoping maybe we had a few more minutes until 4 PM. The next few minutes were blank. They helped me to a chair, the Doctor continued to talk. It hit us so hard, ,we were silent. I couldn’t talk I couldn’t cry, someone told me to breath. someone offered me water. I heard the doctor say, “Regardless of what those other people in the hall have been saying, she did not kill herself, we found no Windex, Lysol or Drano in her body. she died from neglect and stupidity”. I wanted to run and scream, scratch, bite, hit , beat them, beat them until they were all dead. .. but I couldn’t move, my body was heavy, my cries were silent.
Robin, I want you back, the way I remember you. I want you to be happy and grow old. I am so grateful for the 30 wonderful years we had together, for all the laughter, silliness, sharing, daily phone calls, giving, and all the plans we made, the tears of happiness and of sadness. My heart is forever broken. We will not be able to watch and share together your little boy growing up and graduating from high school, fall in love, get married, have that little granddaughter you wanted. Your family will miss you everyday and think of you always. I can’t help but touch your photograph on the wall as I walk by. I will forever listen for that phone call or look to the door in hopes that God might change his mind and send you home. I will love you always, Mom
Robin had called me January 4 th. 2013 and left a message on my phone, just 6 little words, ” Mom I want to come home.” I had been waiting for that telephone call for 2 years. I called her back and left her a message ,” Robin, your room is waiting and the light is on, come home sweetheart”. Again I called her, “Robin, I’m praying every night that you will come home safely.” And I kept calling with no answer or no call back. I called my former son in-law and grandson to see if they had another number or if maybe they had heard from her. He confessed that he had forgotten to tell me, she wanted me to call her, but no he had not heard from her lately and he had no other number. I kept calling.
I was told later that her phone was turned off or broken. I expect now that they took her cell phone away from her. Robin had packed her car and she had made an attempt to leave, but she was in no condition to drive. The thought of her there in that bed, so sick that she could not take the drugs by herself, so they forced them down her. She was trembling so, that she could not stand or make it to the bath room..
She will never make it home, I will never get that returned call . The life of prescription drugs, addiction and mental and physical abuse took her life from us on a cold, dreary and lonely morning. The thought that they left her there alone to die, will forever haunt me.
After months of investigation by the Burbank police department, a detective finally called to say, ” Mrs. Klajic your daughter died from neglect and stupidity and if I could, I would arrest everyone who talked to her or came into that house in those last few weeks of her life. They are all responsible for her death, they are really stupid people. And I am so sorry, but there is nothing I can do. You can always file a wrongful death suit against
them. If you have any questions can call me”. With that he hung up.
I know in my heart that there was one of them that wanted to see her fail. She wanted to see her suffer and her part in Robin’s death was deliberate.. This evil woman once told a judge, ” I will to see them both dead (Robin and Becky), before I see them adopted”. There is so much more that could be said, But to no avail.
The only thing left for me is to honor my sweet funny young daughters life with all the many wonderful memories. I will trust in our Lord, that she is at peace and in comfort waiting for His return. And I will pray that we will keep our family circle, and we can all join her someday. Robin loved Turlock and she loved me and her Grandmother. I know her better than anyone. I know she would want to be at rest in a beautiful green peaceful place where her family is at rest.
Nicole says
Wanted to thank everyone for their support I wanted to updated everyone that an attorney has taken the case and he only represents my nephew and is fighting to make sure that my nephew’s rights are taken into consideration.
Mary says
It’s sad it had to come down to this but I am so glad. I am certain, even without a lawyer, that this young boy would have won anyway. No child should have to endure such pain Continue to keep us updated.
tm says
I wonder how many times the mother has visited her grave site? I loved the part of the story where she said the son can visit the new site when ever he wants, #1 he’s too young too drive, 2. A round trip will be 8 hours,3. You really think he’s going too ask that old heartless women for a ride,and like she’s really going to pick him up? Maybe once she would but after that I doubt it. Why doesn’t she just purchase a site in Turlock and have that as her daughters memorial, then when she dies she can be buried there and both names can be on the head stone.
Annon says
It seems very despicable to move someone once things have already been done.
Mary says
The only one affected here is the son. My son lost his father when he was 8 – he is now 19. I have one regret and regret is that I did not bury him closer to the Antelope Valley, off the 14 freeway, so that my son and I could be closer to him. I buried him where I met him, close to El Monte. I have no choice but to continue on without my husband, but I mourn for my son who lost his dad at such an early age. It is my hope that Robin’s mother will consider leaving Robin where she is until her son turns 18. If she should pass away before this time, she can leave earth knowing that she did the right thing for such a young boy. No child deserves to ever lose their parent. I mourn for my precious son, that he had to grow up without his dad and no child should ever have to endure such cruelness. I can bet money that everything that Jill is saying (Her part of the story) is absolutely true, but in life, as adults, we have to put some things aside, if for no one else, the child. Jill, I don’t know if you will come on this site and read this, but I ask you, please wait until this kid is 18 before moving your precious daughter closer to you. Don’t hurt him because watching what my son has gone through without his dad has had everlasting effects not only on me, but on him. For his graduation, he was able to drive down to the gravesite alone and place flowers at his dad’s gravesite, 90 minutes away from where we reside – I can’t imagine a son having to travel 4 hours just to honor his mother with some flowers. I promise you, that in the long run, goodness will come your way for doing right by this young child. They are the most precious human beings in this world and we should do whatever we can to protect their hearts and their feelings. I hope that you will hold on to my story about my son and just think about it for a couple of days before going further. Forever I am changed by my husband’s death – I can’t even imagine for a minute what my son is going through. I just want to say that my son is now serving in the U.S Army to protect our Country – one day Robin’s son may do the same, to protect YOU, and ME. Let’s honor his wishes for just three more years. I hope to get an update on this – but I am trusting that the right thing will be done, not for Robin, not for Robin’s sister, but for Robin’s son. And remember, someone who uses drugs, is not in their right mind. I am sure that if Robin was addicted to drugs, the relationship between her adoptive mother and Robin was strained – dealing with an addict is a very, very hard thing to deal with – just ask anyone who has a drug addict in their family. Kudos to Robin’s adoptive mother for taking in this young girl at age 2 to raise her. I am sure together, they had good times, and bad times, but in the end, Robin was her daughter. And remember, even if Robin did struggle with drugs and or prescription drugs, she loved her son. She would want you to honor her by just letting her body stay close to her son so he can visit her, take her a flower. This young boy has suffered so much already, please, I am begging you, please hold off for three more years.
Irena says
Just a suggestions. Would it be possible to have the remains cremated and give both the mother and the son a keepsake urn? I know some people are uncomfortable with cremation but it might be a good compromise.
Both my parents passed away last year within in 6 weeks of one another. because of the shock (both were sudden and unexpected) my siblings and I decided that cremation was the best decision. We all live in different areas and the simple task of finding a centrally located cemetery was impossible. Once both our parents were cremated, their ashes were mixed (ok might not be strictly legal since there are permits for transportation ) and placed in small urns, 1 for each sibling. This way each child would have a part of both parents with them at all times.
Bonnie Rodgers says
This whole family has been through enough pain! Let this child have peace knowing his mother is close bye. It’s a tragic story what happen to this young woman, Robyn, she needs to be at peace and knowing as a mother myself I would want my son close bye to visit. When the child is of legal age 18, then maybe both parties can come up with a solution that will benefit step mom and the child. I will continue to pray for the family and her son. This is so tragic and sad for any family that has to go through this!
sheri says
I have known Robin for 22years. We have been good friends since we were 12 years old and after reading this article I thought “WOW THE EDITOR COULD HAVE WRITTEN SOMETHING BETTER”. All she talked about was what Jill Klajic wanted and a lot of other nonsense. What about what Robin’s son wants? Who cares about her biological mother and the “drugs”. This is about taking a mother who was loving and caring and would anything for her son!! This is about a young boy that his mother to young and all he has is the visits he makes to the cemetery to visit with his mom!!! Why would someone want to take that from a young child? You know why because Jill Klajic is a selfish, psychopath witch!!! She has NEVER been a good foster parent!!! This young boy is still mourning from the death of his mother’s passing so why take his mom away from him again? For Jill Klajic to do that to her “GRANDSON” is just absurd!!! Robin couldn’t stand Jill. Not like her foster dad Lou. Who she loved dearly. But unfortunately around that time he passed away and Robin took that very hard. So PLEASE LET’S NOT LET THIS CRAZY PERSON TAKE ROBIN’S REMAINS AND LET HER REST IN PEACE AND STAY CLOSE TO HER SON LIKE IT SHOULD BE!!! THANK YOU!!!
Mary says
Sheri
At the age of two, Robin’s mom, the mother who adopted her, took her into her life to raise her. I am sure there were good times, and some bad times too. There are always two sides to a story, but in the end, it was Robin’s biological mother who could not raise Robin so a stranger took her in and raised her. You have to give this woman some credit. There are a lot of bad foster parents, more bad than good. However, there are also very good foster parents. I personally have seen and met incredible foster/adoptive parents who were good and loved the kids they raised; however, due to the hurt that the child has endured, the child in many cases, get addicted to drugs and or alcohol and because of this, they begin to hurt the very people that raised them. They say horrible things to them but deep down in their heart, they do not mean any of it. They are only venting. People will hurt those closest to them because they know that in the end, that person will still be standing there for them. By calling this woman a nut and the other things you are saying about her, will not help this case. You are only causing more anger and hurt and in my opinion, if you want things to turn for the good, you need to stop hurting Robin’s mother (The woman who raised Robin) There has to be respect for each other – you guys are all adults. I would be sad if Robin’s son came on this site and read some of the things that have been posted – this kid doesn’t need to read this stuff. Let’s not throw more wood into the fire pit – somewhere, somehow, this flame has to be put out. I am not here to protect Robin’s mother (The woman who raised her) and I am not here to protect Robin. I am here to hope that somehow Robin can stay where she is until her son turns 18. You are not helping any by attacking Jill. I am sure Robin may have told you horrible things about Jill, but keep in mind, that was Robin’s story. If Robin was using drugs and or alcohol and doing things that were not good for her, I am sure Jill went through a lot herself. I am sure Jill did try to help her and stop her from doing the things that Robin was doing but when a “User” is using drugs, it is a losing battle for all the loved ones involved. I don’t ever think that Jill wanted Robin dead.
Nicole says
At the end of the day Robin is gone, nothing can bring her back or change that. But Robin lives on thru her son and to honor Robin and protect her legacy is all that matters. His feelings and what he wants. All this other nonsense about the biological mother and drugs has nothing to do with the fact that Robin’s son is begging that his mother stay in Lancaster close to him until he turns 18. Why is it all parties involved are willing to comprise with the adoptive mother… move Robin to Turlock when the son is 18. But she can not even comprise with anyone or look at anyone’s feelings but her own. That is the story right there nothing else.
Tinkerbell says
In the state of California it all boils down to who is the surviving next of kin (in this case, it should be her son unless she was married to her son’s father at the time of her death). Did she have a Will and who was the executor? Probably not…but that would make a difference also. I know this all too well as something similar just happened to me recently.
Thom says
The ‘mother’ should have fought this battle before the hole was dug. She paid for a third of the cost, so must have been OK with the arrangements two years ago. SHE can make the four hour trip. What’s to say she will visit the grave site any more than the son does. I don’t think this is a battle for the deceased’s grave site, but a battle between the living.
MR. PERPLEXED says
Rich people!!
amom says
Poor girl. Can’t she just rest in peace? Plus her son has already been through enough. Must the adoptive mother have to take her? Why can’t she make the 4 hour drive to see her daughter? It would be much easier for her to make the drive then a boy. Her son should have say not the adoptive mother. But I understand he probably has to be of age. How horrible. Please let her rest in peace and give her son some sort of peace as well.
Prunella says
First of all, who owns the plot Robin is buried in? If it’s the adoptive mother, then she can move her. Legal is one thing – having a heart is another. But, all the facts aren’t known and this is written from one side of the argument. How often does the boy visit his mother? Is this more for him or for the half-sister? It does sound selfish of the mother, but as I said, we don’t know everything. She is Robin’s mother, and she’s grieving too. Does the boy know his grandmother? Maybe they need to have a talk so the grandmother understands what he wants, and he understands what she wants.
Nicole says
I take my nephew to see his mother at least once a month, and I own the plot. And yes my nephew has contacted the adopted mother and pleaed with her to wait till he is 18 to do anything with his mothers remains.
Long Time Friend says
First of all lets just say Jill doesnt own the plot. They never had a good relationship. Jill is only thinking about herself like she always has. And why would you dig up someones remains after 3 years? And not then? Do you understand how much she is hurting and is going to hurt her “GRANDSON” by taking his mother???????? Robin is layed to REST IN PEACE already!!! Let her be!!!!
concernedmotherof2 says
Wow. Think about the little boy, thats HIS mom. Please have some compassion this may affect him in a bad way. why does she need to disturb the woman’s resting place. Im sorry now i see why her daughter hated her.
Yes says
YES. I feel so bad for him. He has lost the most. Yes a mother lost her child. But he has lost his only mother that he had for a very short time and now he’s alone. Yes he has a father, but children need a mother. It breaks my heart. Get her a headstone where ever you like MOM. But you don’t need her body. Just let this poor boy be he’s been through enough.
Elisha says
This is heart wrenching for her son. Give him the three more years he deserves. He already had to lose her once, do not make him have to lose her again. This is very selfish on her part to have to do it right now despite the circumstances. I am saddened for her son and I hope it all works out…..
T says
Sweet Lord. Please COMPROMISE on this situation. A few years in a mature grown accomplished women’s life is far different than the ages of 15, the age of 16, the age of 17, & the age of 18 in a young man’s life. Please consider that. My heart& prayers go out to All involved.
jacque says
SO SAD FAMILY DRAMA PUT OUT FOR ALL TO SEE.PEOPLE STATED SHE WAS BURIED IN THIS AREA FOR HER SON TO VISIT .WHO IS KEEPING THIS STORY IN THE PAPER FROM HIM? DRAGGING HIS MOMS NAME THROUGH THE MUD TO KEEP HER REMAINS HERE AND DISRESPECTING HER MEMORY BY DOING SO.COULD HAVE WRITTEN FAMILY TRYING TO KEEP BELOVED FAMILY MEMBERS REMAINS IN ANTELOPE VALLEY TO BE NEAR HER SURVIVING SONS.NO NEED TO TALK ABOUT DRUG ABUSE AND FAMILY DRAMA SO SAD
lovely says
You’re so right couldn’t say it any better… Poor boy
sam says
I saw the son’s Facebook page a few weeks ago and he is the one who is pleading for help. The son is the one who wanted it to get attention so he could get help. I do not feel his moms name is being drug threw the mud. I am sure he knew how his mom passed, and none of that is the issue. Although he is a minor, he should have say to leave her here. The Step mom should have made this an issue at the time. Not years later. Let her rest in peace. If the step mom says she will provide transportation for the son to go visit her, then she can use that same transportation to get herself down here. It was her choice to move away.
Nicole says
Yes, Sam that is correct. Her son who has no voice or say in the matter was the one that wanted the story to get out there. He feels he should have rights on this matter and yes he is fully aware of how his mother passed away. The issue at hand is the fact that he isn’t even given a chance to mourn his mom. We all want to comprise with the adoptive mother and mover her when the son turns 18 which I feel is a very fair comprise.
AVMOM says
I don’t understand why move her at all? now or in 3 years, If this is where the son has made his home. If the adoptive mom wants to move a way then that is her choice. But why take this young mans mom? Not cool. As a mom myself I would want to me near my son. :(