HATFIELD - Roberta T. (Cray) Tudryn, 85, of Hatfield, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. She was born in Holyoke on June 21, 1929 to the late William C. and Mary (Ward) Cray and attended Holyoke schools.
She was very proud of the family business that was started by her grandfather, P.J. Cray many years ago. In her later years, Roberta lived in Hatfield and was a proud employee of Hampshire College in Amherst. She truly loved the people she worked with and the students. Roberta finally decided to take time for herself and retired from Hampshire College in the fall of 2013 after 38 wonderful years of service. Roberta was pre-deceased by the love of her life, Charles J. Tudryn.
She will be sadly missed by her five sons: Russell Mizula, Steve Mizula, Mark Mizula, Donald Mizula and William Mizula; her sister, Jane Hurst; her seventeen grandchildren, and many great grandchildren, all of whom she adored very much, and her canine friend, Peaches. Roberta was also pre-deceased by her brother, Ward and her sister, Roselon. There will be a graveside service for Roberta on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Jerome Cemetery in Holyoke. There will be no calling hours.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to both the Hatfield Police Department and all the staff at Hampshire College who were all an integral part of Roberta's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roberta's memory to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307 Springfield, MA 01101. Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
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Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jul. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Tudryn

Sponsored by Chris Villon & Family.

149 Entries

Serena Williams

July 16, 2024

Many fond memories of Roberta. She was a force to be reckoned with and an integral part of going to SAGA for many years. I have no idea how she managed to remember all of us, but she always kept track of every individual. She will always have a place in my heart, and in my memories of Hampshire.

Andrea Mizula

July 15, 2023

I love and miss you every day Gramma. I think about you all the time and what you would think about different things going on in my life. I hear your voice and what you might say. You always being a smile to my face.

Russell Mizula

July 14, 2023

My Mother Roberta Was so Blessed To Have so much Family and
Friends that cared alot about her. That's what kept her going .I was Blessed to have her as my Mother.

jania villon

July 24, 2020

It has been only 6 years since Roberta left us but her warmth and kindness will forever be remembered by her friends, family and the students and staff at Hampshire College. I am the mother of a former student and spent many precious moments with Roberta when I visited the campus. The world needs more people like her to spread love and respect. Bless her forever!

Tina Lai

July 21, 2020

"It's been a long day without you, my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again"

Here's thinking about you, Roberta, from Covid 2020. You would've been totally unfazed by what we're going through right now.

Love, Tina

June 26, 2017

So of us who knew and loved Roberta wish she were here to celebrate her latest birthday. The Villon family are singing to her spirit "Happy Birthday to You...."

June 22, 2017

Happy Birthday Gramma ! I miss you ! Love Andrea

Tina Lai

June 21, 2017

Summer's here! And so is your birthday! Miss you, Roberta.

June 20, 2016

Because we were notified by e-mail that this Guest Book contained new entries I was able to view some of the past ones summitted by former students of Hampshire College. I shed and continue to shed volumes of tears as I identified with their feelings for Roberta. She will always remain in our hearts. The world would be a better place if there were more loving and caring human beings such as this precious lady. God bless her family as they celebrate her birthday. Ironically, my son Chris' birthday is today, so close to Roberta's and I'm certain that they never realized just how close was their connection. Love to all!
Jania Villon

Andrea Mizula

June 18, 2016

Gramma I miss you ! I think about you all the time and keep your heart and voice close to me always !

Tina Lai

June 17, 2016

Roberta, your birthday is coming up and I've been thinking about you. Miss you lots ❤

Kevin Brown

September 8, 2014

Thanks to Chris Villon and Family for keeping this guest book online PERMANENTLY!

Jania Villon

September 6, 2014

Was revisting Hampshire yesterday and all I could think of was Roberta and how much I always looked forward to chatting with her about her children and mine. She still remains with me and I will always continue to send her my love.

Beth Carey

August 2, 2014

My condolences to Roberta's family. I have fond memories of her at HC in the 80s. She was always kind and sweet. We were lucky to have her looking after us.

Cassidy Rappaport

July 27, 2014

I came into Hampshire without knowing anyone else and for my first few weeks, I felt incredibly alone. The one constant in my life was Roberta's daily greeting. I never met someone who loved their job as much as Roberta does. I never met someone who was so genuinely happy to see you or greet you. I only learned after her passing about her family and all the wonderful things she has done in her life. I knew the wonderful things she did each and every day as we walked through the doors of SAGA. Though I only got to share one year with Roberta, I will never forget her. She is one of those lights in life that never dim or fade no matter how much time passes. She was the spirit and soul of Hampshire College and made such an effect on thousands of students that passed through the doors of SAGA for over 30 years.

Andrew Dorchester

July 27, 2014

Roberta was a surprisingly important part of my time at Hampshire. Though it is coming up on 20 years since I ate at Saga, Roberta continues to and always will have a place in my heart and I suspect the hearts of most Hampshire students who saw her regularly. She was a truly genuine person and I am grateful to have known her. Roberta, I will miss you.

Russell Mizula

July 26, 2014

I would like to thank all & everyone that my mother knew on her job that she loved so much . she would all ways say to me how lucky she was to have a job with great college students and staff . and also the campus police were real special to her. some days I would go up to see my mom and like all ways she would say oh hi this is my son . or I would see her say you need a coat on or dress warmer. then she would say to me that she all ways felt like there grand mother .I would have to say thank you for all of you at Hampshire for making my mothers life so special Thank you Russ Mizula

James Patten

July 25, 2014

I will miss you and your chats. You always brightened up my day while on my mail run, even when it was raining and you were worried I'd get wet. You touched so many lives of people at Hampshire and beyond. Bless you Roberta.

Allison Smartt

July 25, 2014

Roberta touched my life and the lives of every Hampshire student who ever handed her their card. Roberta, thank you for your hellos, your quotable quotes and for getting up every day to make Hampshire a little warmer for everyone.

Katie Marony (F10)

July 23, 2014

As a recent Hampshire College graduate, I can say with certainty that Roberta was the only reason I ever ate at Saga. I don't know what I would have done without her daily weather forecast. She will be missed dearly by all of the Hampshire community.

Emily Burns

July 23, 2014

Roberta, I'm glad I went to Hampshire while you were there. Thank you for cheering me up.

memorial

andrea mizula

July 23, 2014

Betsy Neave

July 23, 2014

Those of us who were lucky enough to have met Roberta have first hand experience of how one person can make a difference. Thank you to her family for sharing her with so many of us and we grieve with you. When I came as a student in the early 80's and worked at Saga, we shared many laughs and long talks. I would watch her go about her day, sharp-eyed and keen witted, warm and open-hearted, reaching out to others and giving them a just right measure of encouragement, mother-love, and kick in the pants! She was a light and she will be sorely missed. Knowing Roberta was an education in being a good human being. "Now go eat your breakfast, already!"

Bob Meagher

July 23, 2014

As I saw it, across more than 30 years, there was really only one overwhelming reason for going to the dining commons, and that was to see Roberta. "Where have you been!" were usually her first words, as if I had to explain my having eaten or been anywhere else. And she had a point. Roberta was the best. It has been suggested here that we should name the Dining Commons after her. Of course we should. No one has given more to Hampshire. No one. You can't give more than your life, one day at a time, one student at a time. Hampshire without Roberta is ever so much less. I can only imagine the loss to her family, her other family. My heart goes out to them. Bless you, Roberta, and thank you.

Lenore Diane ('83)

July 23, 2014

Dear Roberta's family, blessings to you in your mourning. I am deeply moved by Roberta's death, even though I haven't been back to Hampshire in years. Like many others, Roberta looked after me. When I appeared in the lunch or dinner line, Roberta always smuggled me through. She knew I was living in Shutesbury in a rustic cabin. One day at the end of fall semester, Roberta told me: "help yourself." After inquiring as to what I should help myself to, she replied "I'm collecting clothes for the homeless. Go get some clothes." Cardboard boxes filled with clothing were by the windows in the lobby. I felt uncomfortable about taking clothing intended for the homeless and refused. She got up and physically took me by the arm, walked me to the boxes and pulled out a beautiful wool sweater and stuffed it in my arms. "It's cold up there. You need warm clothes." Roberta did not take a "no" from me. I went home with a few sweaters as she wouldn't let me leave with just one. I still have one of them. This occurred 25 years ago and when I wear the sweater every winter, I always think of Roberta. Inevitably someone will compliment me on it. When they do, I tell them about Roberta and how I received it. I will always remember Roberta. What a dear she was - irreplaceable.

e. Frances White

July 23, 2014

May Roberta Rest In Peace. She was one of those people who made working at Hampshire a pleasure.

Andrea Mizula

July 22, 2014

I am so extraordinarily touched to have read all of the messages from those of you at Hampshire that have been touched by my grandmother. I love her so much and I am so very thankful for all of you and that you were able to bless her with the experiences you have given her. She is so so soo proud of all of you and to have been apart of your life. Gamma Bobbie (as we call her)loves you all as she loves all of her family very much. She is very much the care taker of the world (or as much of it as she could be as she saw it) I am my grandmothers grandchild and she will always be apart of me and Hampshire will always be apart of her. You have filled her life with great happiness, pride and joy beyond measure and she has been able to make the world a bit of a better place. I don't know how any one could ever take her place in a million years. She has made me an exceptionally stronger version of myself I owe her much of who I am today and she will always be with me watching (even closer ) as she will with all those she loves. With great love and pride, Roberta's grandchild Andrea Alice Mizula.

Tina Lai, F97

July 22, 2014

Hey Roberta,

Remember how you'd always wonder where I was and what I'm doing? Well today we all, your family and friends, came to see you and all your lovely flowers. What will I do without our talks? Love ya, miss ya.

Maggie Leland

July 22, 2014

Roberta always had time for each of us, to look in our faces and say good morning. Her 5 seconds of attention and good humor (or, at least, sassy humor) every morning made even the worst days bearable. I wish I could have said thanked her for that.

Melissa Mendes

July 22, 2014

I'll never forget the time I went into Saga, wearing a huge winter hat even though the weather was nice, and Roberta told me I should let my head soak up some sunshine. I think about that all the time. I feel like she was my daily reality check. Thanks, Roberta.

Audrey

July 22, 2014

I would pick her wildflowers in the early morning...she'd let me have breakfast without a mealticket.

Condolences to her family and friends

July 22, 2014

Roberta was like having your Aunt at college with you. Not your Mom, your Aunt. She was looking out for you, she cared, but she wasn't gonna give you too much guff for not shaving every day. For a frightened first year student, that happy smile, that warm gentle caring shining through, you knew it was gonna be ok. She was a wonderful woman, and she touched a lot of lives in a very, very positive way. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Jerry Darcy, F90

Jane Mezoff

July 22, 2014

What a special part of the 'Hampshire experience' she was!

Nandish Wijetilleke

July 22, 2014

My condolences to all of her family and friends. Roberta made Hampshire feel like home for me and I'm sorry I didn't visit Hampshire and get a chance to see her again. She touched so many students with her warmth, kindness, and humor. I will remember her fondly.

Jean-Baptiste Marchioni

July 22, 2014

I was only at Hampshire for one year, as an exchange student from Paris. Even though I studied there for such a short amount of time, I will always remember Roberta. She was an exceptional human being, so caring and nurturing. She was the parent I missed from home. During my year at Hampshire she was the only reason I would go and have breakfast at Saga. I remember our conversations, her great sense of humor, her advices and sometimes even her orders - always kindly given! She was a true positive force on this campus. She could always make me smile in the morning, when I walked through the door of the dining commons, barely awake. Her presence was enough to make me feel like the day might not be too bad after all! Everybody loved her on campus and I know she will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I feel so very lucky to have studied at Hampshire while she was working there.

Jessamin Swearingen

July 22, 2014

Roberta is surely punching someone's ticket ... somewhere.
I hope to see her again some day.

July 22, 2014

It was always good to see Roberta, and I was especially grateful to hear her speak at commencement 2011 (and to see her name in the New York Times shortly afterward). I will keep your family in my thoughts, she will be missed.

Beth Day F99

July 22, 2014

Roberta was the best part of having to get up for breakfast. I took a 8:30am class once at Mt. Holyoke, so I'd get up for breakfast. It was a snowy winter, and Roberta always had the freshest weather reports. She saved me a few trips on the bus that winter. She also told me about the greenhouse displays they did at Mt. Holyoke, a beautiful experience in that cold snowy winter I'd not have known about otherwise. Roberta was everyone's harsh-but-fair grandma away from home. The ubiquity of the Roberta experience, and the consistency of her, was somehow always comforting, and part of what made Hampshire a home-away-from-home like no other.

July 22, 2014

For all that she gave of herself to others at the College, her spirit will live on! Victoria '72

Bethney Powers (83F)

July 22, 2014

I was saddened to read of Roberta's passing. She and Saga will always be synonymous to me. Because of Roberta I always felt cared for and could count on her no-nonsense attitude and sense of humor to get me through the drama of the moment. She was generous with her smiles and hugs and she made my time at Hampshire all the better for her presence. I was glad to have known her. Thank you to her family for sharing her so generously with the students of Hampshire for so many years. Know that she was loved and appreciated by me.

Timothy Shary F86

July 22, 2014

Roberta was a shining example of someone who performed a most vital role in a community without any flashy title, because her generous spirit was all she needed for everyone at Hampshire to cherish her. So many mornings during my years there, Roberta was the first person to greet me with cheerful news about the weather, or campus events, or simply a smile. And she made sure on countless occasions that those of us on limited meal plans got a couple extra meals when we needed them. The dining commons at Hampshire, or at least its atrium, should be named in her honor, because she gave that building its most significant identity for the first 40+ years of the college. I will always remember her fondly as a special person who made my college experience more enjoyable.

Alison Brett

July 22, 2014

I was sorry to read of Roberta's passing. She was a fixture at Hampshire. May her kind soul rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to her family at this sad time.

Tim Donahue

July 22, 2014

On our first visit to Hampshire Roberta made our family welcome during our tour of the dining commons. After we spoke with Roberta I knew that with staff like her Hampshire could be a home for our daughter. You never know what your impact will be on the world around you. Hers was a legacy of happiness.

Freya Roe

July 22, 2014

Dear Roberta, your witty commentary was the best part of visiting Saga. I'm so happy to have met you.

Sylvia

July 22, 2014

I am repeating what I just read another alum say, "Roberta was the best, truly."
For her family and neighbors and the rest of her Hampshire College community, so much sympathy for our loss. I hope we carry on in her honor with the same kindness she practiced and the wisdom that we are all worth each other's time and interest and caring.

Timothy F.

July 22, 2014

Quick wit, no nonsense, but always smiling. Roberta enriched the Hampshire College experience with her welcoming spirit.

Larry Archey

July 22, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Roberta at Hampshire College when it was Saga Foods until the time she left. She is a special person that brought joy to thousands of students often time acting as their mother away from home. Her memory will live on with us.

Jania Villon

July 22, 2014

As a parent of a young college man seeking a path to self-discovery, I needed someone reliable on campus with whom I could monitor his progress. Roberta became my conduit as well as confidante as she would see and speak with him every day. She felt a special bond with my son and it was evident when she offered bits of encouragement and advise as he stopped to check in at her desk. She is one reason why Hampshire College meant so much to me. She was a second mom, to not only my boy, but to all of the precious students during her tenure at Hampshire. I have missed her very much since my son's graduation and was hoping to reunite sometime soon. Her passing has saddened me tremendously and I will continue to miss her. Bless her loving soul! My condolences to her wonderful family.

Callie Liebmann

July 22, 2014

It's clear from all of the testimonies that Roberta left lasting impressions on most people she came into contact with. I remember her most for her humor and her ability to instill a bit of humility in those she knew. Thanks Roberta for taking the time to reach so many!

Erik Werfel

July 22, 2014

I was always grateful that thanks to Roberta, you could count on a friendly face at the Saga, and I'm heartened to learn that she was there for more than three decades of student life. She will be missed.

John Rosenmiller

July 22, 2014

Thirty five years later Roberta remains one of the people at Hampshire fresh in my mind. I was saddened to hear of her passing and hope her family realizes how many people's lives she touched with her genuine caring nature and willingness to extend herself to so many students. Be proud of her and carry on her legacy.
John Rosenmiller, class of 1977

Eric Gallagher

July 22, 2014

Roberta learned who I was quickly after I came to Hampshire and understood that I was on a minimal budget and minimum meal plan. She was always kind about it and always laughed with and talked to my guests when they came with me, a human ray of warmth in every morning. It's hard to say enough.

Diana Renn

July 22, 2014

I was just passing through campus this weekend, for the first time in over 10 years. I walked by the dining commons, and smiled as I remembered Roberta and those punch tickets, and her friendly banter. What a shock to learn, two days later, she has passed! She is one of my happy memories of living in Merrill. My condolences to the family. Diana Renn, 89F

Aleksi Ahonen

July 22, 2014

Hello, from beyond the Atlantic. I only spent a 9 month exchange period at Hampshire College, but even I recall how welcome Roberta made all students feel at Hampshire. Thank you, Mrs. Tudryn!

Collin Chace

July 22, 2014

The first time I shaved my head and joined the ranks of the freaky punk haircut crews, Roberta looked at me and said, "I think it's just wonderful what you people do with your hair. And children with cancer who lose their hair now have people like you to look up to!"

Stephan Jost

July 22, 2014

You were so very kind! Thank you for your good work at Hampshire.

Stephan Jost
Honolulu

Kristoffer

July 22, 2014

Every person to pass through saga was warmed by the smile and wit of Roberta. We were so lucky.

Linnaea Furlong

July 22, 2014

Roberta always made me smile and had ready advice for any problem, whether you had that problem, or didn't have it yet. It was never the same on days she wasn't there. I'm just another student, but she put light in my life and I'll miss her.

Greg Berger

July 22, 2014

Knowing Roberta was one of the highlights of my Hampshire College experience. She made sure I was fed on many a exhausted, underslept morning, and was one of the most entertaining conversationalists on campus (and the competition was tough!) I graduated in 1995 and was surprised to learn that she was still working until recently. Her passing is sad but she was a special person who left a positive impression on many many people. Thanks for waving us all through, Roberta!

July 22, 2014

I'll always remember Roberta's good-hearted admonishment of me for not getting my faulty student ID fixed, every time I went to SAGA for dinner during my first year at Hampshire. I was so happy she was the staff speaker at my graduation, she helped make that day incredibly special, as she did every day she worked at the college.
-Ezra R. F'07

Joanna Brown

July 22, 2014

I am one of many, many Hampshire College alumni who will fondly remember Roberta. Thank you for sharing her with all of us for so many years. Joanna Brown '72S

Pamela Couture

July 21, 2014

We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother,Grandmother. You will be in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time. May she rest in peace! The memories and love will remain with you forever! With Deepest Sympathies
Mike&Pam Couture

Susan Smith

July 21, 2014

Roberta was like a member of my family - she instantly felt familiar and could always be relied upon to do a little mothering. When I left the dorms and moved into the mods, she was the only thing that I missed, and was the main reason to stop by Saga.

Sarah Buttenwieser

July 21, 2014

Roberta helped me feel welcome at Hampshire from the very start and I always loved seeing her when I'd come in over the years (and years and years spent in Hampshire's orbit). She loved everyone. And that made everyone love her! Gratitude for all she did to make Hampshire Hampshire. We'll miss her so much.

Bianca Ramos

July 21, 2014

I was saddened to hear the news of Roberta's passing. She made going to Saga entertaining. I loved seeing her at the desk and chatting with her. I was at Hampsire from 01-04 and she was such a memorable part of my Hampshire experience. She will be missed.

Dave Taub

July 21, 2014

I remember Roberta from Saga when I was a student at Hampshire. She was really nice. I loved how she referred to us as her kids.

Mark

July 21, 2014

Roberta wasn't the first person you met at Hampshire, but she was the one you always remembered. In her own way she left a larger impact on Hampshire tha 40 years of famous alums ever could.

Jenna Strizak

July 21, 2014

During my time at Hampshire, Roberta used to sporadically give out little foil star stickers to students who made it to the dining hall for breakfast before morning classes, and stick them on their ID cards. "Breakfast is important," she would say. I am not a morning person... but the day I got my first little gold star, man... I was weirdly proud. Thank you, Roberta, for looking out for us, taking care of us, sharing so much of yourself with generations of Hampshire students.

Ethyl Treatman

July 21, 2014

I attended Hampshire College from 1979-1982. When I saw the name and the fact that Roberta Tudryn passed away, my heart skipped a beat for a minute. It couldn't be MY Roberta Tudryn the email was talking about. I checked the name of the sender, and realized it was from Hampshire College, so I knew: it WAS my Roberta Tudryn. Even though it has been decades since I have been back to Hampshire, I clealy remember and celebrate her life. I fondly remember how Roberta expressed her extraordinary love for the human race through her position at the dining hall at Hampshire Community. She was a good quality person who made the world a better place by her contributions. May her memory be for a blessing.

July 21, 2014

I was saddened to hear the news. Roberta was an amazing human being, and will always be in the minds and best thoughts of many, many people for years to come. Thank you for your generous heart, enthusiasm and true knowledge of what community can be, and is. Person to person and day by day. My deepest sympathies to her family.

Holly LeBlanc

July 21, 2014

It is so wonderful to see so many heartfelt comments for my Grandmother she was such a caring and lively strong woman and I miss her deeply

Wendy F86

July 21, 2014

Rest in peace....thanks for always pretending you didn't see us taking extra cereal....

Grace Donahue

July 21, 2014

Thank you, Roberta. In my last year at school, you were truly the only reason why I visited the dining commons. A genuinely kind presence. Thank you for being so supportive and kind.

Christina Salway

July 21, 2014

Roberta was the brightest part of visiting SAGA everyday-- she will be terribly missed and wonderfully remembered.

All our best wishes to her family and friends,
Christina Salway & John Moskowitz F00/F01

Zoe

July 21, 2014

I am amazed by how she remembered so many names and faces. She served hundreds of people each day, but she always noticed and asked after people who didnt show up for meals. I have met very very few people who can have enough compassion to ccare for a whole school, but she was one. She made bad days better and stressful days a little calmer. she will be missed.

Laura Kahn

July 21, 2014

Her beautiful generous spirit will be sorely missed.

Kimberly Fink

July 21, 2014

What a wonderful women! She touched so many young Hampshire students lives. She made me laugh every time I went to the dining hall. I once interviewed her on film about love and she told me all about how you know you are in love when you see stars in your eyes. So many great memories and she will be greatly missed.

Lesley Starke

July 21, 2014

Roberta was an indefatigable gate keeper at Saga with a heart large enough to envelope every single one of us, whether we had our card ready or not. Although I haven't seen her in nearly a decade, I will miss her more from today forward. The Hampshire Community was blessed to have her as long as we were able to.

Cassandra F07

July 21, 2014

Roberta was a huge part of my Hampshire experience my first year, one of the people on campus who I always knew would have a smile for me -- and tell me to wear gloves so I didn't catch a cold. She'll be missed by everyone who ever passed through those dining hall doors.

Katie Levey

July 21, 2014

Gosh Roberta was the absolute best. I went to Hampshire long ago from 94 to 98 and I still remember her warmth and welcoming. The dining commons and the gym where she sometimes was stationed - they were everyday places. And I know for me and probably thousands of others she made it feel a little more like home. Not too many people stay so closely in my memory. Roberta is great and I know her spirit lives in the many she touched. <3

Hilary Varney

July 21, 2014

Roberta was truly special. I never felt bad about being late to class because I stopped to chat with her. She was like everyone's surrogate grandmother. I can't imagine Hampshire without her.

Ted

July 21, 2014

Roberta was one of the reasons I chose Hampshire; our conversation was longer than my admissions interview and then she collared an older student to chat with me instead of work on his Div 3 over breakfast. I hope you find some comfort in your grief.

Jennifer Hamilton

July 21, 2014

No one was more beloved at Hampshire than Roberta, something I heard again and again from the students and people who work at the college. My condolences to her family.

Erik Benau

July 21, 2014

Roberta helped make Hampshire home in so many ways. She will be missed.

Emily

July 21, 2014

What a beautiful, fun, and special person Roberta was. I remember her well from my years at Hampshire and was deeply moved to hear of her passing. My sincere condolences. Her light will continue to shine for all that were given the gift of knowing her.

Renata B.C

July 21, 2014

I appreciated Roberta's greeting at Hampshire every day my first year- she would look at me and say "HI HI HI" and then she would yell at me to put a jacket on- when she found out i was raised by my grandma she loved me even more, always making sure i was eating enough/sleeping enough/etc. I missed her when she retired, and I am truly lucky to have been a student when she worked at Hampshire College

Sarah Austin

July 21, 2014

Roberta kept an eye on everyone at Hampshire, and seemed to remember all of our faces, names and stories. Today, remembering her, I thought about her wall of pet pictures- she invited students to bring her a picture of our animals from home, and displayed dozens of them at the entrance to the dining commons. It was a small gesture, but made so many homesick people feel welcome in our first weeks at school. My thoughts and condolences go out to her family.

Fred McKay (80F)

July 21, 2014

I was very upset to hear of Roberta's death. I remember her very fondly at the dining commons during my 4 years there.

Jessie Robie

July 21, 2014

Roberta always let me sneak a thermos of coffee out of the dining hall, something that made my Hampshire experience far more productive and pleasent!

Jennifer Albee

July 21, 2014

I lived in the dorms at Hampshire for three years and saw Roberta almost every day for breakfast and lunch. She always made me feel recognized and remembered, and I will always think of her with a smile.

Lewis Schoenbrun

July 21, 2014

My sincerest condolences to Roberta's family. I was a student at Hampshire College from 1977-1982 and Roberta was always there to greet me and my friends for breakfast. She always was in a cheery mood and brightened our days. I am sure that she will be terribly missed by all those who knew and loved her. May she R.I.P.

Tom Foley

July 21, 2014

Roberta was the best, truly.

Elisabeth Carter

July 21, 2014

I remember her fondly from my years 82-85 as a student, She was kind & friendly & beloved. Elisabeth C, Waltham MA

lisa goding, F88

July 21, 2014

So sorry to hear of Roberta's passing. She had a huge impact on me when I was a student, and then 20 years later when I was assigned to Hampshire dining by my company. She was firm but kind. As she was preparing to speak at commencement, she took that opportunity very serious. So glad she was able to do that and to affect so many people over the decades. I will miss her!

July 21, 2014

Who doesn't remember Roberta greeting everyone at SAGA. I remember my friends even wrote a song about her and her cheerful presence! She was a lovely person and she'll be missed.

Helen Solorzano

July 21, 2014

I attended Hampshire in the early 80s and was so surprised and happy to see Roberta when I visited on a college tour with my kids a few years ago. She hadn't changed a bit and it was wonderful to chat with her again going into the dining hall!

Ellen

July 21, 2014

She was an amazing, kind, witty presence for everyone at Hampshire. She will be missed.

Evan

July 21, 2014

Roberta lived the Hampshire spirit, and her quirky conversations epitomized my time there. This loss fills me with sorrow.

Christine Layton

July 21, 2014

I'm truly saddened to learn of Roberta's death. As others have shared, Roberta was an institution at an institution without institutions. As a Hampshire student 1984-88 I was always impressed by how she seemed completely unphased by whatever michugas was going on at SAGA (or the College in general). She was valued as a reliable constant in a place where consistency was hard to find (and whether or not it was wanted, it was surely needed from time to time). When I returned to HC for its 40th anniversary I was astounded that she remembered my name! She will be warmly recalled by me (and I know many, many others). Peace to her, her family, and all those who cared about her.

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