Roberta J. Thomson

Roberta J. Thomson (Gilbert) passed away at the age of 81 on Sunday, October 8th, 2023, at Carolina Assisted Living in Appleton, WI. Roberta was born on August 2nd, 1942 in Baraboo, WI, to Arthur and Ruth Gilbert. Most of her childhood was spent in Hales Corners, WI. She graduated from Waukesha High School in 1960 and graduated from Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, in 1964 with a degree in English. After graduation, she married fellow Lawrence alum, Michael Thomson. They relocated to Hawaii where Michael was serving in the army. Two daughters Heather and Sarah were born to this union.
The family moved to Maryland, WI, and Colorado. Roberta started seminary studies at Illiff School of Theology in Denver. She completed her Master of Divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and began serving as a United Methodist Church (UMC) pastor in 1975.
Roberta switched careers to education and taught Office Skills and English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI, and Tampa College in Tampa, FL. She also worked as an office manager in New Port Richie, FL, and as an instructor at the Chinese American Civic Association in Boston, MA.
In 1992, Roberta returned to ministry, serving as a UMC pastor in the Wisconsin communities of Denmark, Mishicot, Two Rivers, Clintonville, and Center. Roberta resided in Appleton, WI, since 2015. After retirement, she found a home at the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Roberta is survived by daughters Heather (Ryan) Stubblefield of Black Creek, Sarah Weber-Thomson (friend, Dale Woyak) of New London and grandchildren Christopher Thomson of Green Bay, Mikenna Baker (friend, Eric Grabowski) of Green Bay and Connor Weber of Neenah. Roberta is survived by two sisters, Mary Wrighton and Margaret Gilbert, both of Florida. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Michael Gilbert, and niece Tracey Wrighton.
A service of remembrance will be held at the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 2600 E. Philip Lane, Appleton, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, at 11am with visitation starting at 10am preceding the service. A light lunch will follow for attendees to gather with Roberta's family and friends to share memories. The Service will be Live Streamed on The Fellowship website, it will appear at the top of the page under Sunday Service. Link: https://fvuuf.org/upcoming-services/
Please consider remembering Roberta by donating to the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
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