Roberta M. Frates

FAIRHAVEN — Roberta M. "Bobbie" (Taylor) Frates, 72, of Fairhaven, died after a long courageous battle with cancer, Monday, September 01, 2008, at home surrounded by her family and friends. She was the wife of Antone M. "Tony" Frates, they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary on November 29th of this year.

Born in Boston, the daughter of the late Robert and the late Josephine (McGrath) Taylor, she's lived in Fairhaven for the past 50 years where she was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.

Bobbie graduated from Mt. Alverna High School in Newton and had worked as a waitress at the Harbor Beach Club in Mattapoisett and Mike's Restaurant in Fairhaven for many years. Working with the public and being able to socialize with all of her friends was one of her greatest joys. She enjoyed knitting and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and enjoyed her love and friendship.

She is survived by her husband; a son, Mark Frates of Fairhaven; three daughters, Lianne Carroll and her husband, Myles, Alicia Holden and Susan Frates and her fiancé, Robert Lynch, all of Fairhaven; a brother, Robert Taylor of Hopkinton; two sisters, Fideles Taylor of Kennebunkport, ME and Maureen Williams of Taunton; eight grandchildren, Meagan Bowcock and her husband, Matthew, Brenda, Myles and Daniel Carroll, Caleb, Joshua and Nathan Frates and Matthew Cziska; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Frates and Benjamin and Lauren Bowcock; and several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be at 9:00 AM Thursday from the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven. Cremation will follow. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.

For LIGHT A CANDLE, MEMORIAL REGISTER OR FACILITY DIRECTIONS go to www.hathawayfunerals.com or call (508)994-9471.