Roberta "Bobbie" Folz passed peacefully on April 21, 2025 at her home in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by family. Bobbie lived a vibrant life, full of character and love. Known for her storytelling, charm, strength, idealism, adventurous spirit, and butternut squash soup, she was a powerful sorceress of words and life, casting spells of love and joy, all the while humming and singing Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah with Mr. Bluebird sitting on her shoulder.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened"-Dr Seuss
Born on August 9, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Joseph James Folz and Dorothy Elsie Folz (Worman), Bobbie had the experience as a young child of living on a farm and having pet chickens and two dogs named Petey and Pan, before eventually moving to Upper Darby, PA and then Allentown, PA where she graduated high school. Bobbie would fondly regale with stories of a teen who would cajole her younger brother, Joe, to accompany her to dance at Bob Horn's Bandstand (the program that proceeded Dick Clark's "American Bandstand") at WFIL-TV in Philadelphia. She also had fabulous stories of attending Upper Darby High with singer/songwriter Jim Croce.
In 1967, Bobbie moved to Richmond, VA to earn her bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Virginia Commonwealth University and began her elementary school teaching career in 1970 at what turned out to be her favorite school in Allentown, PA, Muhlenberg Elementary. Bobbie continued to keep in touch with many of her students over the years both as personal contacts and via Facebook. Bobbie left an indelible mark as a talented and caring elementary school teacher. Her dedication to helping others was an embodiment of her philosophy to 'do unto others' and 'hurt no living thing'. These lessons are part of her ongoing legacy.
After raising her children, Bobbie moved to Port St Lucie, FL to indulge in her love of warm lapping waves and sand between her toes, and to continue her giving as a Social Security Claims Representative until she retired in 2010. Bobbie's gifts truly shined in this position, often telling stories of how happy she was to meet and befriend new clients and was very proud of how hard she worked to ensure each and every client received their well-deserved benefits.
Bobbie made the most of her retirement years, spending her free time with her close friends, children and grandchildren, traveling abroad, taking memorable cruises, and her relished gardening.
In 2024, Bobbie decided to move to San Antonio, TX to be near family.
"The song is ended, but the melody lingers on"-Irving Berlin
She was a woman of unique personality and enthusiasm, always marching to the beat of her own drum. Her belief that 'laughter is the best medicine' was reflected in her love for April Fool's Day and her tradition of coloring oatmeal green on St. Patrick's Day.
As an avid Scrabble player, she spent countless joyful hours strategizing over the game board. Beyond the fun, these games served as a platform for sharing her philosophical thoughts and astrological knowledge, adding another layer to her rich legacy.
Bobbie was a beacon of individuality whose spirit will continue to guide and inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, yet her legacy of love, strength, and wisdom will continue to thrive in the lives of her children and everyone she touched.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die"-Thomas Campbell
Left to cherish Bobbie's memories are her loving children – Joanna Folz, Nicholas Peters (Gidget), Valerie Peters, Kassandre St. Ores, Alicia Moreau (Aubrey), Kerrick Peters, and Kristopher Peters (Kieu Oanh). Amongst all her achievements, she considered her seven children to be her greatest accomplishment, treasuring her role as a mother above all.
Bobbie also lives in the hearts of 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is planned for May 23rd at 11:00 AM Cedar Church,3419 Broadway in Allentown, PA.
A Calling period will begin at 10:00 AM with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roberta's name can be made to
Alzheimer's Association
Please also visit: everloved.com/life-of/roberta-folz to share pictures, memories, and stories
Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on May 8, 2025.