Roberta Manning Falana

Roberta Manning Falana died on May 19, 2011, at Rockville General Hospital in Rockville. Her passing was unexpected and she will be deeply and profoundly missed by her family and friends and remembered always for her class and dignity.

A lifelong resident of Coventry, "Bert" was proud of her family's rich historic roots and contributions in the community and of her treasured family manor, "Rocknoll." Born on Aug. 12, 1933, in Bolton, she was the only child of Howard Roberts and Doris E.W. Manning, a forward thinking, successful couple who believed in instilling education and strength in their daughter. As a result, Roberta was characterized by her standards of excellence in all areas of life. After graduating from high school, Roberta went to work as a long distance operator in the Southern New England Telephone Co. She transitioned through various departments and promotions, and eventually into customer service where she was a trainer, assisting both SNET employees and their clients in the then new area of multi-lined phone systems. She was also known for her longtime involvement in community and state politics, believing this was the way to best affect national change. Roberta was recognized for her accomplishments with numerous awards and distinctions throughout her lifetime. A voracious reader, Bert was highly creative and enjoyed writing, drawing, architecture, music, and travel. Roberta especially adored holidays and was skilled at decorating and creating beautiful memories and time-honored annual parties and traditions at Rocknoll. Her hobbies and interests were varied and her depth of knowledge on many topics helped define her legacy as a gifted hostess. Roberta's greatest achievements, though, have been in the lives of her family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, the undisputed love of her life, Hustus Franklin Falana Jr. of Coventry and Savannah, Ga., past chairman of the Grass Routes Committee, the Second Congressional District; her heart and pride, her son, Jay Howard McCollum, longtime area musician/drummer, and daughter-in-law, Marlene Dietrich McCollum, formerly of Norfolk, Va., both now of Danielson; and finally by her devoted grandson and best "buddy," Jay Brandon McCollum, contractor, of Tolland. Her stepchildren, Ronnie Falana-Milo and Steve Milo of Trumbull, and James Dowling Falana of Milford, will also miss her. Roberta's eldest stepson, U.S. Marshall Hustus "Frank" Falana of Wethersfield, predeceased her. Roberta also leaves behind daughter-in-law, Christine Falana, step-grandsons, Jay Sirois, Michael Falana, and Thomas Falana; and great-grandchildren, Alex Lanbonte and Madison Falana.

Relatives and friends are welcomed on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Coventry-Pietras Funeral Home, 2665 Boston Turnpike (Route 44), Coventry, CT 06238.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at noon at Bolton Center Cemetery, Bolton.

For online condolences, please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com

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