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Loretta Keeley Roberts
Loretta Keeley Roberts
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Born in East St Louis, Illinois on December 19, 1933, Loretta was a woman of faith, creativity, and compassion. She graduated from St. Theresa's Academy, Saint Louis University, and went on to complete her master's degree in Speech Pathology.
But her greatest and proudest role was that of wife and mother. She married Gordon, the love of her life, and was married for 61 years. She raised seven children with love and compassion and welcomed family and friends with an open-door policy.
A gifted artist, Loretta found joy and meaning in expressing herself through her work. Her talent was recognized formally when she was awarded the prestigious Mayor's Award at Belleville's Art on the Square, a testament to her creative spirit and her ability to connect with others through visual beauty.
At home, Loretta was the heart and hands of the family. She was the "miss fix-it" of her family-the one who could fix anything, build something from nothing, and problem-solve with grace and grit.
Mom loved her high school girl friends and remained close with them to the very end. She was a wonderful listener and had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her loss is felt profoundly by all who had the privilege to call her a friend.
She is preceded in death by her:
Beloved husband: Gordon Roberts
Parents: Andrew and Catherine, nee Sullivan, Keeley
Brother: Andrew Keeley, Jr.
Sister: "Kitty" Gleeson
Sons-in-law
John "Fred" Betten
James O'Reilly, Sr.
Surviving are her:
Seven children
Susan (Bob) McDonnell
Gordon Roberts, Jr. (former wife Gretchen)
Anne Betten
Richard Roberts
Peggy Roberts
Janet (Antoine) Maron
Stephen Roberts (Laurent Nouvion)
Brother: Lawrence Keeley
13 grandchildren
Dan (Amy) McDonnell
Katie (Brian) Lee
Colleen (Matthew) Schoenleber
Taylor (fiancé Logan) Roberts
Andrew Roberts
Laura (Matthew) Young
Elizabeth (Sean) Betten Miller
John (Caroline) Betten
James O'Reilly, Jr.
Jade (fiancé Manraj) Maron
Gabrielle Maron
Constance Nouvion-Roberts
Leonor Nouvion-Roberts
11 great-grandchildren
Dear nieces and nephews
Countless friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Benevolent Fund at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
Visitation: Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9:00 – 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL with Fr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Loretta lived her life with purpose, creativity, and love. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched, the art she created, and the family she raised with unwavering strength. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Pat Hart
June 8, 2025
I loved visiting with Loretta at the Shrine, where my mother also resides. Loretta spoke so lovingly of Gordon and her family, and was quick to give compliments to everyone around. I will miss seeing her and also hearing her singing. Whenever I hear "I love you, a bushel and a peck" I smile and think of Loretta!!
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Fay Farthing
June 8, 2025
Beloved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest in peace my dear friend
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1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223
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