Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Roberta "Bobbi" Wright

1941 - 2019

BORN

1941

DIED

2019

Roberta Wright Obituary

WRIGHT, Roberta "Bobbi"

78, passed away September 9, 2019 unexpectedly, secondary to complications arising from a medical procedure. Born in Kildeer, ND, in 1941 to Delmer Weydahl and Harriet Chase, and later adopted by her step-father, Orland Slama after the death of her father, Bobbi was an extraordinary classical pianist from a very early age. Later in life she became a prolific activist and staunch supporter of animal rights. She headed up the Arizona chapter of PETA, founded the first animal rights group in Arizona (SPEAK) in the 1980's, and lectured at the University of Arizona Veterinary Science Department as part of a course on human and animal interrelationships for seven years, all while organizing countless vigils and protests against animal exploitation and other abuses. A vegan for 45 years, she walked the walk and made it her life's mission to minimize animal suffering. Bobbi is survived by her brother, Allan Weydahl; daughters, Dee Kidd and Sabra Wright; son-in-law, Keith Kidd; seven grandchildren, one step-grandchild and two step-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Spay and Neuter Solutions online or mail to P.O. Box 762, Cortaro, AZ 85652.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 17, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Wright

22 Entries

Diane Luck

September 13, 2022

I think of Bobbi often, remembering my dear and remarkable friend. It´s not a stretch to say that Bobbi was the most influential person in my life. One of a kind.

Jacquie Lewis

October 27, 2021

I am so sorry to hear that Bobbi passed away. I just found out through Gary Vella. I am ever grateful to Bobbi for entrusting me to head up SPEAK in Chicago for 13 years. Her dedication to the animals was admired by everyone who knew her in the movement. I am sure she met many furry friends at the Rainbow Bridge and is greatly missed in Tucson.

Gary Vella & Jane Parent

August 8, 2020

When Roberta left us on 9/9/19, she left behind many cherished friends and family members, all with fond memories, to be sure.

Her "secondary family" was comprised of a community of animal activists who followed Roberta's lead and commitment to a cause greater than herself. She exemplified the true measure of a selfless social warrior in pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable beings. So many from our animal protection movement learned so much from Roberta as we shared her path toward animal liberation. Looking back now, there is great satisfaction in the knowledge that some long-term battles were won during Roberta's final years; campaigns that she had tirelessly worked on over the decades.

In addition to the honor of collaborating with Roberta on animal issues, Jane and I had the added pleasure of occasional visits to "the Wright place" to share time with family and friends. As one would expect, there were always plenty of animals on hand to greet us.

As time progresses, there is no doubt that this woman of integrity --- this class act --- will be remembered for her accomplishments, her sacrifices, and her warmth. May those rays of life-worth shine brightly in our remembrance.

A Friend 2 Paws

Angie & Ray Kasten

October 18, 2019

Dear Dee, Sabra,and Family-
Ray and I are so sorry for your loss. We met Roberta while walking our dog, Scruffy when we first moved into the Western Way neighborhood. I was a new pet owner, and I often reached out to Roberta for questions I had about Scruffy. She always took the time to answer my questions with caring and kindness.
We will miss the walks, visits and laughter - but we have good memories, and we are so blessed to have met such wonderful person as our friend Roberta!

Sabra Wright

October 15, 2019

My words fail me. You are irreplaceable and your mercy and love for all living beings, especially the weakest, unfathomable. Go in peace knowing that although the light in this world has definitely dimmed without you, it's a far better place having hosted you for those 78 years. I will never say goodbye; instead I say, "Until we meet again."

Charissa Goodrum

October 4, 2019

I only knew Roberta for a relatively short time but she left a lasting impression on me. I think of her often and know we have lost a sweet spirit on this earth. I will miss her contagious smile.

Jacqueline Warner

October 2, 2019

Dear Dee, Sabra and Allan,
I am so sorry for your loss and don't know the words to fully express my grief. I know you miss Bobbi immeasurably, as do I.
At a time in my life when I was quite lost, she took me into her life and treated me like family. I will never forget the love, friendship and laughter she shared.
Because of Bobbi, my life is forever enriched and the world is a better place.
Sincerely, and with love,
Jacqui

Darlene Burson

October 1, 2019

Bobbi & I met when she came to my door in 1971 to invite me to a home sales party. I went and she played piano at the the party... what talent!! That was the start of a lifetime of sharing, laughing, loving. We lived a couple blocks away from each other in West Phx. From the beginning Bobbi was always there for me; she watched my 2 little boys when I took a 2nd shift job, took me in when my first marriage was ending and was always my sounding board (and I, hers).
We took an astrology class together... who will alert us now when Mercury goes retrograde??
At the time I was to remarry, (Bobbi was my Maid of Honor) she had 14 rescued cats in her backyard. (She had rigged netting over the whole yard) 'Say say' was, of course, allowed to be in at all times! We adopted Cat Ba-lack, from her - an adorable all black kitten.
Our girls trip to St Thomas was wonderful (except for the airline snafu at the very end)! I'll never forget the fun time with Donna, Yolanda and dear Bobbi.
I talked her into taking a cruise with us. Nancy came along also. She let me know that another cruise was not in her future!
I will miss my dear friend but I'm happy that she is no longer in the terrible pain she suffered for many years.
And, I know that we will have future lives together.

Diane Luck

October 1, 2019

Dearest Bobbi. You were and will always be a light in my life and in the lives of so many. You are the reason I became vegan some 37 years ago and your strong and pure spirit has always been an inspiration to me...and I know to others. Your two beautiful daughters mirror you in so many ways...they will carry on your light in the world. Miss you so much dearest friend. You will have a special place in my heart forever. Much love, Diane

Allan Weydahl

October 1, 2019

My dear sister, it's still difficult to imagine you're not with us. Your strength and vigor throughout your life gave us the attitude that you'd be the last person standing. I always envied your abilities to live with the energy and commitments you demonstrated and of course the musical talent you shared. There is an empty space in this world that's going to take much time to fill. I'll love you to the end.

Donna Fine

September 30, 2019

My dear friend, I miss you very much. You changed my life, and in HUGE ways. You lived life with gusto and exuberance.
I imagine that thousands of animals lives have been made better by you. I only met some of them.
You've added a great deal to my life in the 26 years I've known you.
It truly is hard to believe that you are no longer with us. I know that you are no longer in pain, but I miss you.

Susan Richard

September 30, 2019

Kyrie eleison. I woke up during the night here in Oklahoma feeling the loss -sorry for us and glad for her gain.

You did it sisters.
You loved Mom into eternity. Well done.

Susan

Andy Schulgasser

September 29, 2019

Roberta, I was so sad to hear of your passing. I will be forever grateful for getting to know you & the beautiful strong fearless example you set standing up for all animals, & especially in a time where things like being vegan was thought of as insanity in my experience.

U were way ahead of your time & leading the way for me & so many others. Thank you so much for all you have done. I loved volunteering with you.

My heart & prayers are with you & your loved ones. I hope there is some incredible Rainbow Bridge you are sharing with all of your furry loved ones.

Thank you again so much!!!

Blessings & love to you & all of your family & loved ones.

Elizabeth Hunt-Lucarini

September 29, 2019

Oh Roberta...I still can't believe that you are not with us. Your light will shine bright for generations to come. Because of you and all you have mentored, there is less suffering in the world. Thank you for everything. I will cherish your memory and carry you in my heart forever. Dee and Sabra, you and your family are in my warmest thoughts. Your Mother was an amazing woman and my life is so much better for having had the gift of he friendship. Love and light. xx

Deb Thompson

September 28, 2019

Although I did not know you personally Bobbi, you personified the kind of animal activist I greatly admire and respect. You walked the walk, and your time on this planet was a rare gift to all of us. My condolences to your family.

Claudine Erlandson

September 21, 2019

Adieu Bobbi! I was happy to share PETA France board with you. You were always witty and kind. I am sending sincere sympathy to your family. So many Animals will welcome you in Heaven to say Bonjour to you...and thanking you for all your care.

Maru Vigo

September 19, 2019

Dear Dee and Sabra, I just learned the news this morning and I am very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a mentor to me; the first person who opened my eyes to animal rights and, for that reason, I will be forever grateful.

Ingrid Newkirk

September 19, 2019

Oh, Bobbi, we miss you dearly. You were part of my activist life and I considered you a dear friend for some 35 or more years. Wishing your family -and all those who cherished you - strength and, soon, I hope, just happy memories, difficult as that is to imagine now. The animals need all the good friends that they can get, and you were one of the best. Forever, Ingrid and all who knew you at PETA.

Gary DiNardo

September 18, 2019

She reached a LOT of people with the message of justice for non-humans. Some are already helping to make the changes she fought for.

Pam Martin

September 18, 2019

I was so looking forward to seeing you next month, Bert. Much love to you, my friend.

Kim Munzing

September 17, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss of your mom and best friend, she truly will be missed..My heart and prayers with you and your family.

Dee Kidd

September 17, 2019

Mom, you will be forever missed. The sudden loss of you is heartbreaking. Your love for all that lives is something everyone should strive for. Please say hi to Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Surette, Mellow, Tripod and all the others you so generously gave your heart to. I love you.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results