Roberta Fishman

Roberta Brown Fishman passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness.
Born Roberta Ann Brown on February 8, 1945, to Grace Goldstein Brown and Daniel T. Brown, she was raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. She was the beloved sister of Howard Brown (Binghamton, NY) and Barbara Brown Kauffman (Atlanta, GA and The Villages, FL).. Her early years were filled with joyful family gatherings with her extended New York family, including Grandma Hattie and Papa Joe Goldstein, Uncle Mel and Caryl Goldstein, and cousins Howard and David Goldstein.
A 1962 graduate of Brookline High School, Roberta went on to study Early Childhood Education at Boston State College. In 1967, Roberta married Alan Fishman and relocated to Portland, Maine, where she raised her cherished children: Caren Fishman (Joel Friedman), Marc Fishman (Kate), Louis Fishman (Hayden Collins), and Jonathan Fishman (Michelle Adinolfo Fishman). She was the proud and devoted "RaRa" to her eight grandchildren: Hannah, Avi, Maia, Ella, Anabella, and Nina Fishman, and Daniela and Leo Friedman. She was also the joyful "grandog" to the family's many beloved pets.
Roberta's life was defined by her deep commitment to family, friendship, and community. She welcomed Karen Sawyer ("K") into her life as a mother's helper, who became an extended member of the Fishman family.
A natural caregiver and advocate, Roberta was a fierce supporter of her children and all the neighborhood kids. She nurtured a spirit of entrepreneurship, founding "Left Out," a business offering school and home supplies for left-handed individuals. Later, she combined her love of art and design as the owner of "Deck the Walls," a print and framing shop in the Maine Mall.
Roberta was a tireless volunteer, dedicating her time to the school PTA, the American Cancer Society, Temple Beth El Sisterhood, HUD, the Portland Museum of Art, and local and state political campaigns. Even in her later years, she remained active with the National Council of Jewish Women and as a devoted driver for the Beacon Club, assisting individuals who are blind.
She brought her love of the arts, theater, music, and reading to her family, and was a long-time member of two book clubs. Her culinary talents were legendary-her apple and blueberry pies were staples at family gatherings, and she passed down cherished recipes to her family.
Roberta's legacy is one of love, resilience, and community. She created a village wherever she went, and her warmth, humor, and "good trouble" will be deeply missed.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Clark's Terrace at the Park Danforth and Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their compassionate care.
The funeral will be held on Sunday, July 13th at 1:00 PM
The Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park
40 Dedham Street, Sharon, Massachusetts
(A virtual viewing link will be available.)
A shiva will be held following the services at Caren and Joel's home on Sunday, July 13 th from 4:30-8:00pm
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Gosnell Memorial Hospice House
https://www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org