Florence Barbara Roberts

Florence Barbara Roberts 78, passed away at home Aug. 23 2006, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in San Francisco, on November 8, 1928, to John and Blanche Rowlands. She grew up in San Bruno and attended San Mateo High School. She was married to Harvard Cunningham and divorced after 26 years of marriage. Florence was a Past Honored Queen of Bethel #26 of San Francisco. Florence was an accomplished musician, playing both the clarinet and piano. She attended San Francisco State and earned her teaching credential. In 1964 Florence helped start up St. Andrew's Preschool in San Bruno, where she taught for 18 years. In 1978, Florence became a full time administrator for the San Francisco Council of the Camp Fire Girls. While working full-time, she earned her master's degree in public administration. In 1980 she became reacquainted with Thomas L. Roberts. They married on February 15, 1981, and toured England, the U.S. and Canada in their RV and their V-8 Fords. Florence became active in St. John's Parish in Clayton as a regular reader. She was a substitute special education teacher for the Contra Costa County Schools for 20 years, while she was a regular contributor to Meals on Wheels. Florence also was a member of the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force working in the PX and touring with the B17 "Sentimental Journey." Florence was a hard working, patient, and loving mother and friend. She enjoyed sewing, challenging crossword puzzles, gardening, square dancing and playing the piano. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. Florence is survived by her husband of 25 years, Tom Roberts of Concord; daughters, Nancy Cunningham-Staggs (Brian) of Fresno and Jill Cunningham-Gillespie (Allan) of Danville; son, Rod Cunningham of Belmont; and stepsons, Paul Roberts (Cathy) and Craig Roberts (Fiamma). She was a wonderful grandmother to her nine grandchildren: Matt, Evan, and Claire Staggs; Allyson and Clifford Gillespie; Scott and Kelly Cunningham; and, Cole and Paige Roberts. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Parrish on September 9, 2006, at 11 am, at 5555 Clayton Road, Clayton. Memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society; Meals on Wheels Program, 1300 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA; St. John's Parish; or the Arizona Wing, Commemorative Air Force, 2017 N. Greenfield R. Mesa, AZ.