Obituary
Roberta M. Brooks, age 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by love, grace, and deep devotion to her family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Roberta spent most of her life in Cambridge, where she built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community.
She was a woman whose presence could be felt the moment you were around her. She had a zest for life, an indomitable spirit, and she made an impact on everyone who had the chance to know her. Her strength was an inspiration and throughout the final stages of her life, she remained as sharp as ever with a distinctive laugh that will always be remembered.
Roberta loved being around people and was naturally at ease making friends everywhere she went. She loved to cook and enjoyed sharing her dishes with everyone. If you complimented her banana bread, you got more of it. Much more.
Roberta also had a deep love of travel and adventure. She especially cherished her visits to San Antonio to spend time with her son Rich and his family. Among her other favorite destinations were Germany, Mexico, and Prague, along with memorable trips to the United Kingdom, Hawaii, North Africa, and Tangier. These journeys brought her great joy and reflected her curiosity about the world and love of experiencing new places and cultures.
Following her “retirement,” Roberta came to work at Brooks & Crowley, her son’s law firm. Driving from Cambridge to Dedham five days a week, in addition to assisting the attorneys in the office, her primary roles were bringing lunch for Steve, sparring with Neil, and entertaining clients and visitors in the reception area. She always kept a full bowl of candy on her desk – the good stuff, not ten-year-old butterscotches – and made sure everyone got to help themselves to “the salad bar” on their way out.
Above all, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend. Her love for her family was constant and unconditional, and she took great pride in the lives and memories they built together. The traits she passed on—resilience, resourcefulness, kindness, and the importance of hard work—will continue to guide her family for generations to come.
She is survived by her sons John, his wife Jeanne, Steve and his wife Kim, and Richard and his wife Micayla, grandchildren Ryan, Sean Manown, Zoe, Teddy, and Benji Brooks, Jackson Brooks and Evan Drake, and brother Norman Sabbey and his wife Pat along with their children Chris and wife Aliya, Brian and his wife Behhaz and Craig. She was predeceased by her brother John, and left behind many other loved ones including her sister-in-law Esther and their children Camille, George, and Anne Sabbey, with whom she shared a special relationship.
Other loved ones who will carry her memory in their hearts every day include Roberta Johnson, Roberta Gainsboro, Thalia Pananides and Marty Mcgah.
A Celebration of Life will be held this July at a final date and location to be determined where family and friends will gather to celebrate her life and the lasting impact she made. For details, please reach out to Steven Brooks, stevenbrooks@BrooksandCrowley.com.
Though she is no longer with us, Roberta’s love remains a gift to all who were fortunate enough to know her. We will miss her.