Anita Gertrude Roberts

1929 - 2014

Roberts, Anita Gertrude (Nee Wattam ) Age 84, of New Berlin, died peacefully Wednesday March 26, 2014, at home surrounded by her loving family. Anita was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 24, 1929 to the late Kenneth and Verdi (nee Albin) Wattam. She is survived by her seven children, Theresa (Thomas) Manzell of Alliance, OH, Mary (Daniel) Lietha of Franklin, Jean (Timothy) Gales of North Lake, Carolyn (Rick) Andrejat of Hales Corners, John (Deanna Oswalt) of New Berlin, Kenneth (Kristen Legreid) of Oxford and Raelynn Roberts (Mike Roush) of Franklin. 12 grandchildren: Nicholas, Stephan, Lauren, Erin, Matthew, Haley, Hannah, Eric, Christian, Kayla, Kristen and Colin; 1 great-grandchild: Jaxon. Above all else, she loved her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and had a very special place in her heart for Mary Helen and the late Paul Strong, Mary Margaret Roberts, Fran and Judie Roberts. She had a very deep love for her Illinois family, rooted in many childhood visits and time spent with cousins and good friends in Newman. Her love of travel and journeys around the world inspired her many decorated Christmas trees at the holidays and her enthusiasm for collecting "all things pigs" will be remembered fondly. She had a special affection for the Les Cheneaux Islands and Northern Michigan. She volunteered for many years for the Girl Scouts, The New Berlin Lioness Club and Church Women United. Relatives and friends may meet with the family during the visitation at the Funeral Home on Tues., April 1, 2014 from 4-7 PM. Prayer and remembrance service at 7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12700 W. Howard Ave., New Berlin on Wed., April 2, at 7PM with the Rev. Joseph Aufdermauer officiating. Visitation will also take place at the church 5-7PM. Interment will be held at the Newman Cemetery in Newman, IL on Saturday, April 5 at 4PM. Additional visitation at Appleby Joines Funeral Home, 401 Gillogly St., Newman, IL on Saturday from 2-4PM prior to the interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wesley Chapel, in Anita's name appreciated.