Obituary of Rebecca L. Roberts

Rebecca Lynn Roberts passed away on December 6, 2014 at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY. She was a resident at the Glendale Home Nursing Home, Scotia, NY. The cause was respiratory arrest as a result of aspiration pneumonia. Rebecca was the daughter of late Dr. Benjamin Washington Roberts, Jr. and Jean Marie Dillow Roberts. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Scott Bradley Roberts. She leaves with loving memories her aunt Evelyn and cousin Steven Roberts of Mogadore, OH, uncle Kenneth R. Roberts and aunt Joan E. Rosenstein of Rockville, MD, aunt Janet Elliot of Archebold, OH and cousins Robert L. Arnett of Alexandria, VA, Eugene K. Roberts of Kent, OH, Miriam Kay Gurski of Munroe Falls, OH, Jill Ann Wilson of Troy, OH, and Janice L. Snyder of Jeffersonville, IN. Rebecca was born in Boston, MA on October 16, 1950 while her father was a graduate student studying nuclear physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon completion of his PhD, he accepted a position with General Electric and moved the family to Schenectady, NY. In 1956, Rebecca's brother, Scott Bradley was born and the Roberts family grew as a close knit group active in and exposed to community affairs as well as company events. They attended the Unitarian Church of Schenectady. During these years Rebecca accompanied her family on trips throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Both Rebecca and Scott acquired their mother's passion for collecting antiques and Rebecca acquired an extensive selection of antique dolls and hat pins. She was a graduate of Linton High School in Schenectady. When the Robert Redford movie, "The Way We Were" was filmed in Schenectady, Rebecca was thrilled to appear in costume in a crowd scene. Sometime after her father's early death in 1981, the family moved to 1370 Philomena Street. About she moved permanently to the Glendale Home in Scotia. There she actively participated in church services, games, lectures, parties, outings and other activities available in this well staffed and operated program. She was a cheerful, respectful and considerate patient. After a stroke left her in a wheel chair, she continued to be involved in the community activities. At Glendale, she took pride in decoration of her room, and particularly the display of antique dolls from her collecting days. The last several years, she encountered problems with acid reflux, which eventually led to complications and her death. Her family is grateful to the staff at the Glendale Home for providing her with quality, respectful, and supportive care. Services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice or to the Glendale Auxiliary, c/o Glendale Nursing Home, 59 Hetcheltown Rd., Scotia NY 12302. Contributions will go directly to the Home's operations, staff and patients.