A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Mrs. Sheila O'Connell Roberts wife of the late Dr. W. Vincent Roberts who passed away peacefully on Monday February 6 2012 with her son Martin and his family present. She was a beautiful and graceful lady who lived a faithful and full life. The family will receive friends on Sunday February 12 2012 from (1-3; 5-7) at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church 4000 S. Atlantic Ave. New Smyrna Beach FL on Monday February 13 2012 at (11:00). In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sheila's honor to the Salvation Army. Sheila was born on April 17 1925 in Cambridge MA and grew up in neighboring Belmont MA. She moved to Florida in 1950 after her marriage to the late Dr. W. Vincent Roberts and settled in Sanford where they raised their three children. Mrs. Roberts was very active in community affairs and in the political arena serving as chairwoman for the Democratic National Committee of Florida reveling in the excitement of being an electoral delegate to the 1968 Chicago Democratic National Convention and in serving the City of Sanford and Seminole County in numerous roles. Among her favorites were serving as a member of the Sanford zoning board and running various election campaigns including her husband's successful runs for Mayor of Sanford and County Commissioner. Believing strongly in the philosophy that one should ""be the change you wish to see in the world"" she and her husband were active and strong supporters of All Souls Catholic Church and Parochial School The Salvation Army and many other charitable organizations. Sheila was the recipient of the Salvation Army's Life Time Achievement Award presented to her by the Reverend Billy Graham. After the passing of her father in 1981 she became President of O'Connell Supply Corporation Everett MA. Mom reminded us constantly to ""always be a leader never a follower."" She practiced this in everything she did throughout her life.
The role that Sheila cherished most was as a mother in raising three children. She let us know we were loved all the time. Our relationships defined her love for us and the love she had toward life. Totally immersed in our activities she was the official score keeper for baseball teams designated chauffeur to all players in any sport and stage Mom and supporter of her daughter's dance recitals. Nothing pleased her more than to watch her children and grandchildren participate in any activity and grow as people.
Mrs. Roberts was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in New
Smyrna Beach FL. She is survived by her sons David (wife Linda) of Belmont MA and Martin (wife April) of Gainesville daughter Mary Anne Rayhab (husband James Regan) of Nashville TN and four loving grandchildren David Vincent and Mitchell Roberts of Belmont Mass and Grace and Grant Roberts of Gainesville.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.