Sarah Roberts

1927 - 2019

Sarah Roberts, 92, beloved wife of the late James Roberts, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2019 in West Hartford, CT, after a long life and blessed with a deep love for family and friends. She was born on August 19, 1927 in Rockford, Illinois, to Charles and Bertha Armour. Named after her aunt, Sarah Smith, she was affectionately known as Sally her entire life. She had three close siblings; "Bud" Armour, Patricia Noling, and "Jimmy" Armour, all of whom she outlived. Sally met the love of her life, Jim Roberts, at the University of Illinois soon after his Army service in World War II. They began their married life in Neenah, Wisconsin, where Jim started his career at Marathon Paper Company. Their three children, Susan, Tom, and Julie, were all born in Wisconsin, and it was the most cherished time in Sally's life. She immersed herself in church, school, and her children's activities such as music and being a scout leader. She also established a lifelong love of baking sweets for everyone, and was very talented with a sewing machine. It was also during this time that Sally & Jim established deep friendships that lasted a lifetime. Together they enjoyed many social occasions such as bridge, golf, and hosting picnics in their large backyard. After twenty years in Neenah, Jim was transferred to New York City and the family settled in New Canaan, CT. The move was made easier by many of their long-time friends also being transferred to the region. Once all three children graduated from New Canaan High School, Sally and Jim relocated to Stratford, CT and eventually to Wethersfield. She became a member of First Church in Wethersfield and also developed a passion for UCONN Women's Basketball, attending games well into her eighties. She lived her final years at The Reservoir Skilled Nursing Facility in West Hartford. The family expresses its appreciation to the dedicated staff for the exceptional care she received, and also to Seasons Hospice for the additional comfort they provided in her last days. Sally had a remarkable seventy years of marriage before Jim passed away in 2018. The Hartford Courant wrote a column about their long marriage on their 65th anniversary. She is survived by her children: Susan Grant and her husband Steve of Farmington, Tom Roberts and his wife Sandy of Hillsborough, NC, and Julie McLean of Wethersfield; her grandchildren Allison Sterner and her husband Sean of Newtown; Scott Grant and his wife Mary Elizabeth of Brooklyn, NY; Marilyn Voelker and her husband Christopher of Carmel, IN; and Kolby Baumgaertner and her husband John of West Hollywood, CA; and four great grandchildren Addilyn Voelker, Grayson Voelker, Cy Sterner, and Anderson Sterner. A private family memorial service will be held. Her ashes will be buried at Village Cemetery in Wethersfield next to those of her husband Jim and her beloved son-in-law David McLean. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Food Share, 450 Woodland Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or www.foodshare.org. For online guestbook please visit www.abbeycremation.com