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Roberta Kessler Obituary
Roberta is survived by her cherished sisters and brothers-in-law, Suzanne & Jeffrey McLoughlin of Lisbon, CT, Cathy (Palmer) Wheeler & Dudley Wheeler of Stonington, CT and a loving brother, Mark H. Palmer of Pawcatuck, CT, brother-in-law Steven Bickford. She was predeceased by her sister Michele (Palmer) Bickford of Stonington, CT. Also survived by her sister Georgia Soloveitzik and her brother George Kessler, she was also predeceased by her brother Kevin Palmer.
Roberta leaves very special nieces and nephews; Robert and Kimberlee Brennan and their two CBEs ("cutest boys ever")Sean James and Dylan Robert; Travis Woods of Boston, MA and niece Taylor A. (Woods) Gauthier, Somerville, MA. Her friend Paul Pribula. She is survived my many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Roberta leaves her beloved pet Liberty Lane Fiona "Libby" a 15-year old demure Calico cat.
Roberta enjoyed a forty two year career in Pharmaceutical Research and Higher Education Administration. She was employed as a Senior Research Associate for Boston Scientific and as a Clinical Scientist with Pfizer, Inc. having worked on many successful programs for new medicines and devices to treat cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Roberta was employed by Execupharm Inc. Roberta was equally proud of her 14-year career in Higher Education and held positions at Eastern CT State University, Bryant University and Keene State College where she earned her Master's in Education and Bachelor's Degrees in addition to earning an Associate in Science Degree from Johnson & Wales University.
Roberta's legacy was being a "giving tree." She was always kind,generous, and committed to helping others. Our lives will never be the same without her. Roberta's wish is that donations be given to any one of the following: Pan Mass Challange in conjunction with the Boston Red Sox Foundation, in memory of her mother, Madeline Palmer, 77 Fourth Avenue, Needham, MA 02494-www.pmc.org; The Pawcatuck CT VFW; The Gemma Moran Food Bank, New London, CT, Our Companions Demestic Pet Sanctuary, Inc., P.O. Box 673, Bloomfield, CT 06002 -www.OurCompanions.org. and Kitty Harbor Inc. 2263 Glasgo Rd. Griswold, CT 06351.
There will be no services at her request. An event to include music, food, fun & laughter will be held for family and friends at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St, Westerly, RI.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Kessler
Sponsored by Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home - Westerly.
Kevin Kelliher
March 8, 2020
Susan, George and family,
Where do I begin . . .from all the years growing up together behind West Board St. school . . . to our years together from elementary thru High School. The loss of another member of "Our Gang" at West Broad weighs extremely heavy on my heart. Clifford F. passed away last year.
From Derek and the Dominos (song-Layla), The Allman Brother Band (song-Whipping Post) Sly & The Family Stone (song-Higher & Hot Fun in the Summertime) to the Beatles (song-Come Together) and many many more songs laid the foundation to our understanding of the world, transitioning from elementary to middle school.
As tears stream down my face, I find it hard to understand why a "beautiful and wonderful soul" would/could be taken to the heavens above knowing Roberta "still" had much to give to those on earth. Though, finding solace in 60 plus years of life . . . she touched the hearts of many of us who new her. Especially those who grew up with her.
The Rolling Stones song "As Tears Go By" and the Chi Lites "Have You Seen Here" parts of these songs tie directly into my feelings.
Not to ramble on. . . Susan, George & family please take with you all the cherished moments you had together. May these wonderful experiences guide you and be your strength moving forward.
With all my love, thoughts and prayers-
Kevin Kelliher
Lauren/Lennie Bouchard/Frey
February 27, 2020
Dearest Mark and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful sister, am sending Prayers for Peace in your hearts and minds during this extremely difficult time
Paula Sommers Bovino
February 25, 2020
Roberta was such a great friend in high school, we had a lot of fun on the track team. She was always smiling and always there with her big hugs. I'm so sorry for your loss, your family and Roberta will remain in my prayers. God Bless and watch over Roberta
Carol Burdick
February 25, 2020
My sister-in-law the late Margaret Kessler Burdick was George's sister that is how I met Madeline she was a great Mother and friend to other people. Her smile would lite-up a room when she entered. Did not know her children but they seem just like their Mother. God will help the family and friends through the sad times. Margaret married my brother Amos Burdick. God Bless her family.
Always a friend
Carol Burdick
formerly from No. Ston. Ct.
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Karen (Meisel) Bellis
February 25, 2020
I am so saddened and shocked to hear this news. I have wonderful high school memories of Roberta especially our cheering days. She always had a smile on her face and a zest for life. May God watch over her and bless her family during this very difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy....
Juanita Brown
February 25, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Roberta's family and friends. My heart is heavy after hearing about the sudden passing of Roberta. I had the pleasure of working with Roberta at Pfizer for many years. She was such a warm and caring person. I knew her commitment and passion for her work. More important was Roberta's heart and kindness that she showed to all that she encountered. And her smile and laugh had the ability to brighten the room. I was blessed to have known her. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Sherry Rider Bourgeois
February 25, 2020
Suzanne and family, so sorry to hear of Roberta's passing. Such a vibrant person with a huge smile. Praying for your family.
Nancy Law
February 25, 2020
Saddened by her passing, Roberta was a beaming light of sunshine to me. Seeing her always reminded me of my undying love for her mom, Madeline. I always admired Roberta and will miss her beautiful sweet light. Peace and Love, forever
Megan Showerman
February 24, 2020
My heart breaks eternally for Roberta, Libby and the dear loved ones, family and friends she so often mentioned in her FB posts. I only knew Roberta as the younger sister of Suzanne, who was my contemporary. I attended West Broad Street and Pawcatuck Junior High where I came to know both girls. That was a long, long time ago. However, when Roberta and I reconnected on Facebook, she was easily recognizable - with her long, black hair, sparkly dark eyes and broad, eager smile. Through Facebook, I enjoyed the pictures of her pizza creations which she made with immense pride particularly when she felt she "got it right". Her inexplicably tight bond with Libby, her cat, is indicative of her large capacity for compassion and affection. It is apparent she brought tremendous joy to those privileged enough to be called her friends. I understand this unique type of grief as I have experienced it up close and personal. You don't know the roof is leaking until you live on the inside. When you cannot escape, you learn to cry by smiling. My heart is so sad that Roberta died. We must keep trying.
Cathryn Dolan
February 24, 2020
My deepest condolences to Roberta's family for this enormous loss. We worked together at Pfizer (on the same project team). Roberta will forever be emblazoned on my mind as the most positive, kind and thoughtful human being that anyone could possibly have the pleasure of knowing.
RIP dear Roberta.
Steven Sutton
February 24, 2020
Dear Suzanne, George, Mark, and the entire Family,
My brothers and I are so sorry to hear about Roberta's passing. She was such a sweetheart.
When I heard the news I went straight to You Tube and played the song 'White Sun' from the Doobie Brother's album 'Toulouse Street'. When we were together during our High School years she used to play that song over and over. Funny how something as simple as that can bring back such powerful and wonderful memories. A time when we were young and carefree.
I used to joke that if the lights ever went out in the SHS gym, all we had to do was get Roberta to smile, and we would have enough light to keep playing. Her bright smile and outgoing personality is what we will always remember about her.
I hope that all of the kind words about Roberta help you get through this difficult time. Roberta was beautiful inside and out, and was loved by a lot of people, including me.
Dessa Patterson
February 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jacquie Victoria
February 23, 2020
Rest in peace, beautiful soul.
Ernie Richard
February 23, 2020
My condolences to the entire family.I remember playing as children and going to school together RIP Roberta
Janet York
February 23, 2020
So To her of Roberta's passing. As we get older it seems like all of our friends and aqantices are moving on to another place. Rest In Peace Roberta!
Sandy &
February 23, 2020
Roberta was absolutely the most generous, caring, and loving person, and we are all stunned and heartbroken. We met her when she hired our company RPM a few years ago, but we quickly all became friends and enjoyed seeing her regularly with her big smile and loving hugs! She went out of her way to make sure we were all happy, safe, and having fun. She loved her brother Mark so much and was always talking about him, and her cat Libby was her true love ❤ She was truly an angel who now has her wings. I just saw her a few weeks ago and she told me that for the first time in her life she is truly happy, I was shocked- and she said it again, yup, this is the first time in my life I can honestly say Im actually truly happy. Im really glad she told me that. We will always love you and all the memories and really miss you Roberta ❤
Kathy McCabe
February 23, 2020
I was so saddened to hear about Roberta. She was such a sweet and kind individual. She will be missed.My deepest condolences to all the family. Sincerely, Kathy McCabe
Mary Gomes
February 23, 2020
I am shocked and saddened by the death of Roberta. Thoughts and prayers to her family. I will always remember her light. Shine on Roberta!
Mary (Estus) Gomes
Janet
February 23, 2020
Always a smile, always a kind and encouraging word. She was the epitome of kindness. My deepest condolences to her family.
Brian Birch
February 22, 2020
Your outgoing personality and zest for life will be missed by all that knew you. I know you are dancing with Madeline in heaven and all your other family and friends. You will be dearly missed by those you loved and left behind. RIP my friend until we meet again.
Dianne Cahoon
February 21, 2020
Bert as many of us referred to Roberta was a fun loving person, always smiling and a kind soul.
She will be missed by many and our sympathy goes out to her family.
Dianne (Holt) & Doug Cahoon former classmates
Nora Taylor
February 21, 2020
This is such a shock and so sad to hear. I worked with Roberta for many years at Pfizer and she was such a pleasure to know and work with...so very sorry to hear about this...
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