Obituary of Patricia Anne Roberts

Patricia Anne (O'Donnell) Roberts, 82, was born August 21, 1941, to John Clark O'Donnell and Lyllian Louise Fowler in Portland, Maine. She went to heaven on January 6, 2024 at her home.

Patricia (Pat) was the youngest child, having two older brothers. She attended schools Rosa E. True, Butler, King Junior, and Portland High; class of 1959. She was popular and had lots of friends including her high school friends who stayed in touch through regular lunch dates and reunion planning.

She had a strong work ethic early in life. She worked in the Mercy Hospital kitchen and later at the Puritan Restaurant. It was during this time that she met John, the "South Portland guy," who she eventually married in October 1959. They moved to South Portland where they raised four children and made a good life for their family. Pat was proudest of her children's accomplishments and loved being "Grammy" to their children.

Pat was industrious; able to can food from the garden, sew, and knit. She was also instrumental in John's sign business, serving as bookkeeper. In addition, Pat was employed for numerous years at the Big 20 Bowling Alley and was a highly competitive candlepin bowler.

In 2008, she retired from the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) after a 19-year career as a meeting planner. During her time at NASN, she traveled the country to bring national education conferences to school nurses. At the time of this notice, Pat was awaiting a decision on her nomination as an Honorary Fellow to the National Academy of School Nursing for her contribution and support of the NASN vision.

After retiring, Pat worked for a handful of years as manager of the Portland Elks Club. She naturally eased into a lead volunteer role in the Elks bingo hall and enjoyed being a part of that group.

Pat always made people feel that they mattered and was concerned with other people’s feelings. Always a giver, Pat was recognized as volunteer of the year by the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Maine and the Portland Elks Club.

The lives of Pat’s family will forever be changed by her absence but they have been filled by everything she gave.

Pat is predeceased by her mother, father, brothers John C. O'Donnell, Jr. and Richard F. O'Donnell, and two grandchildren Michael J. Norton and John "JT" Norton. Pat is survived by her husband John M. Roberts, children Suzan Norton (Terrence), David Roberts (Sally Gassett), Sharon Conley (Denny), and Carol Merrill (Erwin), and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pat’s interment will be at Saccarappa Cemetery in Westbrook, Maine at a later date. A celebration of life will take place at the Portland Elks Club, Congress Street, Portland on February 10, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Maine at 390 US Route One, Scarborough, Maine 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/donate