Frances T. Roberts

Frances Troub Roberts died on February 28, 2019 at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Bertram H. Roberts, and survived by her daughters, Maggie Barkin (Don Barkin) of New Haven, CT and Priscilla Roberts, of Santa Fe, NM; grand daughters Eve Barkin, of New York City, Suzanne Montano, and Lucy Cummings, and great grand daughters, Vaughn Montano and Quinn Montano, all of Albuquerque, NM. Frances was the eldest of three daughters, born to Leonard and Lonie Troub, charter members of Congregation Beth Israel and Tumblebrook Country Club. Frances graduated from Abbot Academy (Andover) and Vassar College. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Education from Yale University with an emphasis on early childhood special education. Fran worked for the state of Connecticut, first with the Commission on Alcoholism, and then with the Department of Mental Health. In 1975 she was appointed to be the first Director of the Office of Child Day Care by Governor Ella Grasso (reappointed by Governor William O'Neill). As the Director, Frances advocated for coordination, effectiveness, and expansion of child day care. She recommended changes in statutes, regulations and policies to the governor, general assembly, and departments with day care functions. She was especially interested in developing day care programs at businesses and industries. Fran spent her final years at Evergreen Woods, in North Branford, CT. A celebration of her life will be held on June 14, 2019 in New Haven.