Obituary of Roberta Sarachman

Roberta Marie Sarachman (nee Andrews) February 2, 1947- May 22, 2020 It is with great sadness that we announce that Roberta Marie Sarachman of Blyth passed away at Huronlea, Home for the Aged on May 22, 2020 from the complications of dementia. Due to the COVID-19 limitations, only her husband Greg could be at her bedside, while children David, Jonathan and Amanda, held vigil outside her window. While she was unable to have her children by her side, she was surrounded by love, music, light and the compassionate hand of her husband. Roberta was the beloved wife of 51 years to Greg Sarachman of Blyth, and the cherished Mother to David, Jonathan Sarachman (Sally) and Amanda Hostler (Andrew), of Cambridge; She was the much-loved Baba to her grandchildren, Sophie and Liam Hostler. Roberta was sister to surviving brother William Andrews (Donna), and sister-in-law Mary Andrews; Sister-in-law to Roseann Moyer (Lorne), Joanne Kelch (Dwayne) and Allan Sarachman (Sheree), and fondly remembered as “Auntie Robbie” by her nieces and nephews. As one family-member shared, “how do you put over 50 years of sisterhood into so few sentences?” Roberta was pre-deceased by her parents, Orest and Minnie Andrews, of Lively, her youngest brother Terry, nephew Dana Andrews, and in-laws, John and Elaine Sarachman. Roberta was a graduate of Marymount College and Laurentian University in Sudbury, where she met the love of her life, Greg. They were married in Lively on September 6, 1969. Roberta’s life journey has been a most interesting one- both figuratively and literally. Throughout their marriage and careers, Roberta and Greg re-located from Sudbury to Thunder Bay, Toronto, Meadowvale, Erin Mills, Oakville, Holland Landing, Cambridge, and finally Blyth, Ontario, where along the way they made the many friendships that Roberta held so very dear. During her work career she wore many hats, ambitious and striving for knowledge; Roberta was Secretary to the Canadian Federation of University Women, the first woman Ad-Executive of The Sudbury Star newspaper, Executive Assistant to the Vice-President of Lakehead University, and an Allergy Technician in a clinical environment. She had that same passion in her career as a Mom. Roberta was active with the Oakville Figure Skating Club, East Gwillimbury Figure Skating Club, and on the Board of Directors for the Preston Figure Skating Club, as well as Set Designer for the its major ice shows, where she was able to demonstrate her artistic flair and talent. She spent many hours at the arenas supporting her children enthusiastically. Arriving in Blyth, many years later, she continued her community participation in becoming the last President of St. Michael’s CWL - prior to the church closure. Roberta was known for her volunteerism, and avid community participation representing St. Michael’s parish. She was also fiercely proud of her Ukrainian heritage and immersed herself in its traditions and celebrations. Roberta is fondly remembered as an amazing Mom, who made every birthday, holiday, and family dinner a special event. She was a natural Mom, patient, kind and understanding who was there for her children. She provided a landscape that allowed her children to explore who they were and discover the things in this world that brought them joy, even if she herself did not understand those things herself. She wasn’t just a parent, she was a best friend and a confidante and we will miss her every day of our lives. Friends, and relatives alike, remember Roberta for her genuine personality, her kindness, fondness and respect for others, as well as her sense of style (both culinary and artistry), and her skill as a consummate shopper… She was never more proud of being a Baba to her two grandchildren, Sophie and Liam who wanted all to know that she was incredibly nice and that they loved her more than anything. The family wishes to thank the Caregivers at Huronlea for their compassion and care during this very difficult and challenging time. Due to the COVID-19 limitations, a private family gathering will take place at Falconer Funeral Home, Clinton on May 25, with cremation to follow. A memorial gathering at safe time, in the future, is still to-be-determined. Roberta will be sadly missed by all who ever knew her. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, plant some Forget-Me-Nots, which seem to abound in Blyth, in your garden, in memory of Roberta, or make a donation in her name to The Alzheimer Society of Canada ( www.alzheimer.ca )