Roberta Feldman

Roberta Feldman, 76, of Boise, Idaho, peacefully passed away on December 24, 2025. She was born November 27, 1949, in Reno, Nevada, to Robert and Mary Steele.

Roberta spent many of her formative years in Peru and Argentina, living wherever her father's work as a mining engineer took the family. Those early years filled her with a lifetime of entertaining stories, and taught her to speak Spanish fluently. Her Spanish fluency later served her professionally for a time, when she worked as a translator. At home, she would use Spanish to keep Christmas secrets so she could surprise her son. At times when she couldn't come up with a word in English, the Spanish word would often pop out of her mouth, which was always amusing.

Roberta began college in New Mexico, where she developed a fondness for the local food and wildlife, especially roadrunners. While in school, she met Nathan Feldman, whom she married in 1971. The couple welcomed their son, Keith, while living in Illinois. After Roberta and Nathan divorced, she raised her son in Idaho, where she graduated from Idaho State University before eventually settling in Wendell, Idaho. Roberta always had a close relationship with her parents, and spent much of her adult life living close to them. By doing so, she gave her only child the gift of having lots of time spent with loving grandparents.

Both Roberta's father and sister served in the U.S. military, and veterans always held a special place in her heart. She wanted to give back in some way, and she used her knitting skills to make and donate countless hats to the local VA.

After her son left for college in the early 1990s, Roberta moved to Gooding, Idaho, and her parents soon followed, choosing to settle there for their retirement years. Her father passed in 2001. Then in 2011, after her mother suffered a stroke, the two of them moved to Boise. Roberta remained in Boise until her death, where she lived close to her son and daughter-in-law. Her son was the apple of her eyes, and she wasn't shy about sharing that pride with other people.

Roberta found joy in the everyday, whether it was a pretty flower in the garden, or a cute dog walking by. Although she was a voracious reader like her father, Roberta always preferred being outside and active, and loved walking and observing nature. At other times, it was common to see her dancing to music, smiling and talking to animals, or doing a little chair dance while enjoying a favorite meal. She loved to play card games, especially Canasta, which she learned while in South America. Anyone who knew Roberta knew that she was always true to herself-one never had to guess what she was thinking or feeling. Her lifelong resiliency served her well and kept her feisty to the end (we wouldn't want it any other way). Roberta will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth, humor, and big smile.

Roberta's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Overland Court Senior Living, especially those who work in the Generations memory care unit where Roberta lived for the past six years. Their love and attention and tireless caregiving made a tremendous difference in her quality of life.

Roberta is survived by her son, Keith (Aimee) Feldman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Janette Steele.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to your local Veterans Association would be appreciated. The family will hold a private burial in Gooding, Idaho, in the spring.