Roberta J. Grace

Roberta J. Grace, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and bonus mom went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion. Roberta was born in Paterson City, New Jersey in 1948 before moving to Ocean Grove where she grew up. It was here that she met her lifelong friends who affectionately called themselves the "Ocean Grove Girls". In the early 80's Roberta and her family relocated to Neptune Township where she lived out the rest of her life while still being deeply rooted in Ocean Grove.
Roberta was a graduate of Neptune High School, Class of 66'. Roberta spent most of her life working as a public servant and advocate for those who needed a voice. While raising her girls, she worked for the Neptune Schools. She also worked at Park Place, a facility for those with mental illness. Additionally, she worked for genetic counseling for Monmouth Medical Center before beginning her career with Neptune Township starting with her role as Welfare Director. Through her time as Director, she helped countless individuals receive aid they needed and became a voice for many. When this role was dissolved, she became the Special Projects Coordinator and through this position, she reached an even broader group of people. She continued to engrain herself in the community and help all who came in contact with her. She was always a smiling, familiar face to so many residents, businesses and community partners.
After retiring in 2017, after 25 years of service, she still continued to help those in need. On committees for things such as NEAR which assisted residents in need of prescriptions, Veteran's Memorial Park Committee where she poured her heart into each and every event, and the Joint Veterans Parade Committee where she would always lend a helping hand in ensuring a proper display & respect for our Military. Her passion for all things human and good is what made her so easy to love. Additionally, she was a Founding Member of Cabaret for Life, which she has continued to be involved with for decades; supporting those who are living with AIDS and similar debilitating illnesses.
To her family, she showed what compassion and selflessness looked like and led a life of service to all of those around her. To her friends and community, she was a light: someone who loved deeply, cared genuinely, and lived with integrity. She was a fierce advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves, and her voice and presence made a lasting difference in the lives of many.
She was predeceased in life by her cherished husband, Bobby Grace, with whom she shared a life full of devotion and partnership; her parents Robert & Elsie John, her sister Stephanie John & several of her dear "Ocean Grove Girls".
Surviving are her daughters Michele Grace & Lisa Grace, her granddaughter, Ashleigh and her husband Michael Abbott, her great grandchildren, Caylyn Stephanie & Wyatt Robert who were Roberta's greatest joys; her sister Christine Hart (Michael), many beloved nieces and nephews as well as many bonus daughters & sons. Additionally, her beloved dog & companion, Samantha.
She was very strong in her Methodist faith and was a life-long member at St Paul's United Methodist Church but also visited many local churches where she felt at home; Hamilton United Methodist Church, West Grove United Methodist Church & Wayside United Methodist Church.
She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit of love and advocacy will live on in the countless lives she's touched.
Her family's hope is that each and everyone of you continue to carry a piece of her in all you do throughout your lives. Be the helping hand, be the friendly neighbor, be the one who stands up for what is right, and be someone's comfort; wherever you are, keep her in your heart as she kept all of you in hers. ((Hugz))
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to one of the following charities, churches or organizations as they were Roberta's passion, additionally, if there is a charity or organization close to your heart, please donate in her name.
N.E.A.R. : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560950844261
or mailing a check to PO Box 184, Neptune NJ 07753.
Cabaret for Life: https://ci.ovationtix.com/34603/store/donations
Veterans Memorial Park Committee: Please mail a check to Neptune Township, 25 Neptune Blvd, Neptune NJ 07753 ATTN: Veterans Memorial Park Committee.
Churches: St Paul United Methodist, Hamilton United Methodist Church, West Grove United Methodist Church or Wayside United Methodist Church.