Mrs. Dorothy J. Roberts

June 6, 1926 - July 16, 2016

Mrs. Dorothy J. Roberts passed away peacefully on July 16, 2016 surrounded by family. She had celebrated her 90th birthday just a few short weeks ago together with over 150 friends and family who had traveled from as far away as Sweden to wish her a happy birthday. A resident of Walden Place for the past five years, Dorothy served as the "official" Ambassador and greeter at Walden. She was a Cortland resident since 2000 and a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Cortland. Dorothy was a beautiful person both inside and out, a bad word never passed her lips and she always found the good in everyone she met, as evidenced by the outpouring of love at her birthday celebration. She took great pride in building and maintaining friendships and family relationships., and nurturing love with everyone. Dorothy was dedicated to her family, friends and faith throughout her lifetime. She was the loving wife of Edward M. Roberts who passed away, February 13, 2007., after 56 years of marriage. Throughout their lives together, Dorothy would be remembered for her amazing baking of pies, rolls and cinnamon buns which everyone loved, in particular Ed, who would get ready for his early shift at the Post Office in Ithaca with the smell of Dorothy baking as early as 3:30 in the morning. Dorothy was devoted to her family and made sure that her 3 children, Mark, Miriam and James all focused on school and extracurricular activities. She took great pride in the fact her three children excelled in school, went to college and enjoyed successful careers. During the children's youth , Dorothy was active in the Town of Danby in many roles, including serving several years as Town Clerk and Council Person. She was an active member of the Danby Federated Church throughout her lifetime. When her children were in school full time, Dorothy became a secretary at Cornell University and became the indispensable right hand to a number of professors at the University. She was extremely well regarded and enjoyed her role greatly. Regardless of issues Dorothy may have faced in her life, including the loss of her mother at a young age and being raised in an orphanage, of which Dorothy had fond memories, Dorothy always had a smile on her face, a laugh that was contagious and a twinkle in her eye, that just said "Life is grand!" She never complained and always took on life's challenges as if that were just part of what life was all about. Dorothy is survived by her children; Mark of Cortland, Mickey (Michael) Venti of Liverpool and Jim (Mary) Roberts of Philadelphia., seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; her sister, Ruth Chisholm of Ithaca and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the United Presbyterian Church 25 Church St., Cortland, N.Y. with Dorothy's Pastor, Rev. David Johnson officiating. The Robert's family will be present to receive friends on Wednesday from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main St., Cortland, N.Y. prior to the services in church. Family and friends are invited to a pre service reception in the church parlor from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family has asked those who wish to honor her memory to please consider; United Presbyterian Church, Memo: Stained Glass Fund 25 Church St., Cortland, N.Y. 13045 or Walden Place, Memo: Activities Program 839 Bennie Rd., Cortland, N.Y. 13045. Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com