September 25, 1926 – April 20, 2013
Roberta, who was an avid traveller, has taken her last trip to Heaven. She was the only daughter of Percy and Kathleen (“Kay” Wells) Allen (predeceased) and was their pride and joy. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, she grew up in Assiniboine, Saskatchewan and later moved to Edmonton, Alberta to complete her education degree from the University of Alberta. Roberta taught school in Alberta and later in Hawaii and New York. She eventually moved to Toronto, Ontario where she taught Secretarial Arts at Ryerson University for many years. Roberta enjoyed 22 years of retirement in Victoria, BC, where she participated in various lawn bowling leagues. She was an avid supporter of Pacific Opera Victoria and loved the performances at the Belfry and regularly attended the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts at Tillicum Silver City theatre. Missing her greatly will be her God-Daughter Gretchen Castronuovo (Frank), cousins Roger Diemert (Lila); Robin Beckie (Gerry), Rhoda Wells (another God-Daughter and her children Rhea and Rodd) ; Robert Wells (children Natasha, Michelle and Robert), Geraldine Nilson (Albin) and Beverley (Wells). They will always remember a fiercely independent, brilliant woman who lived a great life and filled us all with dreams and wishes, always encouraging us to push a little harder and reach a little further. Roberta had an extensive support network of friends (especially Grace Brereton) and neighbours (especially Grant and Lynda Augustus) across Canada who supported her in life and especially her last days on this earth. Many thanks to all who took time to call on her and bring her comfort items ; chocolate being her favorite (thanks to Deanna Burmar).
Also included in the support network are Anney Ardiel of Act Together Moving Services, Margo MacIntosh and staff at the Wellesely; Brigette Ita and Pat Harrison and the brilliant staff at Parkwood Court. Many heartfelt thanks to all of you for your gracious care and the dignity given to Roberta during her contact with you. Drs. Silvie Argoarch and Catherine Jenkins are blessed with amazing skills to work in such a compassionate field. Special thanks to Jill Bone for her constant support and professionalism. Thanks also to the many angels at the Royal Jubilee Hospice who lovingly cared for Roberta at the end of her journey. Her beloved God-Daughter, Gretchen, will be honoured to continue to care for her cat “Millie” whom she adopted from Victoria SPCA 11 years ago. If desired, donations can be made to the Victoria SPCA: http://www.spca.bc.ca/branches/victoria/
Respecting Roberta’s wishes there will not be a service. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Grant & Lynda Augustus
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diane poulin Roberta and I attended many symphony concerts, plays and
operas together…Roberta was particularly fond of operas… from
her I learnt to like opera. She was an interesting and intelligent
lady and she will be missed by all at Rainbow Estates.
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Frances McNeil I taught with Roberta at Ryerson University in Toronto for many years and during those years grew to admire her dedication to her work and her friends, and her love of music and travel. She was a mentor for both her fellow teachers and her students and will be mourned by all who knew her.
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Frank and Betty Rudge Roberta was our neighbour for five years when we lived beside her in Rainbow Estates. She was a lovely woman who enjoyed the arts and flowers. Sadly when she lost her eye sight she was unable to enjoy what had given her such pleasure. She would go down to Seattle for the tulip festival and bring us back an array of tulips. A favourite story that she loved to recount whenever she saw Frank or I was the time we were on our hammock on the deck and it broke. We both fell to the ground and although we never saw anyone witness this, Roberta surely had and was filled with mirth no doubt. She will be missed at Rainbow Estates.
For over 10 years we were fortunate to be neighbours of Roberta. During that time we grew to admire the strong person she was. She would entertain us with stories of her travels. She not only went to many interesting places, but she seemed to remember all of the details. The love of her life was opera and she would go anywhere at anytime to see and listen to opera. I remember a time when she was almost blind, hearing a rap on our door. We opened it to see Roberta there with a bottle of wine as a thank you for something or other. We didn’t know how she managed that trip without falling. We miss her and always remember her.