Roberta Coleman Howard

Roberta Coleman Howard

Thetford, VT - Roberta (Coleman) Howard, 90, passed away Sunday evening, February 19, 2023 at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH with her children at her bedside. She was born October 22, 1932 in Boston, MA, the daughter of James and Charlotte (Coulter) Coleman. Roberta was a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation through her mother's family and was proud to pass on her Native American heritage.

One of six children, Roberta grew up in West Roxbury, MA; attended Girls Latin School and graduated from Holy Trinity High School. She later attended Fisher Junior College and Northeastern University. Roberta began her career working at her family's fire protection business in West Roxbury, traveling back and forth between Vermont and Massachusetts after her parents purchased their summer home in North Thetford in 1950. It was during these visits to Vermont that she met Richard Howard, her dearest friend and future husband. Roberta and Richard were married in 1962, and also made their home in North Thetford.

Roberta was an extraordinary woman; raised four children, managed the books for Richard's excavating business and later assisted at the family dairy farm in North Thetford. She was a dedicated public servant, first as a Town Auditor, Assistant Town Clerk, and later as Town Clerk and Treasurer, and Town Service Officer. Roberta was also a generous volunteer; she taught CCD classes at the Catholic church, was a Girl Scout leader, and served for many years on the boards of the North Thetford Library Association and the Thetford Historical Society.

Above all else, Roberta was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, and a willing caregiver for generations of family. Roberta logged countless hours and miles attending sporting and extracurricular events, and especially enjoyed watching her children, and later her grandchildren play sports each season. She traveled to games, both home and away, from their preschool days through college, despite how challenging that became in recent years.

Roberta will be best remembered for her faith, resilience and strength, which she relied upon when she and Richard lost their home to a fire in 2015, and in the years that followed. With the help of their family they rebuilt their home, where Richard lived until passing away in 2016, and Roberta continued to live independently. Though limited by COVID to spending many days at home, Roberta remained very sharp and community minded, and kept current on all things local and beyond. She enjoyed gardening and watching the birds, doing crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. She was also gifted at the piano, able to play by ear without music. Most of all, she enjoyed gathering with her family, who will miss her dearly.

Roberta was predeceased by Richard, her beloved husband of more than 54 years, two brothers, James "Sandy" Coleman, Jr., Terrance "Terry" Coleman, and three sisters, Carita O'Brian, Sheila Clark, and Linda Coleman.

Roberta is survived by three daughters, Martha Howard of North Thetford, Melissa Malloy (Mark) of North Thetford, Miranda "Mindy" Martin (Andy) of East Thetford, and a son, Richard "Rick" Howard, Jr. (Lori) of North Thetford. She was affectionately known as "Mammy" by her 13 grandchildren: Susannah, Neil, and Nolan Howard; Carley and Ryan Malloy; Amanda, Lindsey, Zack and Drew Martin (Bailea); Tyler and Katherine Howard, Matthew Jenks and Kelsi O'Donnell, several cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family Mass will be held in late March. A public graveside service and gathering will be held later in the springtime at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in North Thetford, VT.

On Roberta's behalf, her family would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to her extensive team of caregivers at DHMC, Chad and Mariah Whitcomb, and Lyle Decker of the Vermont State Police. Memorial contributions in Roberta's memory may be made to the Thetford Fire Department and FAST Squad.

The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT is honored to be assisting the Howard family with Roberta's arrangements. Condolences to Roberta's family may be shared at an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com