LACONIA ---- Beloved sister, aunt, friend, and lifelong community builder Helene “Robbie” Elizabeth Roberts, 93, passed peacefully with family by her side on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
She was born in Andover, MA, August 3, 1931, daughter of the late George B. Roberts, Sr., and Helene Eversen Roberts. After graduating from Alton High School in 1949, she attended the University of New Hampshire and received her bachelor’s degree in 1954.
Robbie started her teaching career at Laconia High School as a physical education instructor and continued teaching at Bristol Central High School in Bristol, CT, from 1958 to 1973. In 1973, she retired from teaching and joined Roberts Associates Real Estate Business, in Gilmanton, NH.
Throughout her life, Robbie cultivated deep and meaningful connections, weaving together a “family tree by choice” that extended far beyond her ancestry research, which remains a cherished treasure for her relatives. She explored the trails and mountains of her beloved New Hampshire, knowing not only the land but also its history, often sharing her remarkable knowledge of the houses in neighboring towns and the families who had lived there over the years. Her care for animals was equally profound, and she welcomed family pets as integral members of her household, a tradition that reflected her boundless compassion and joy in creating a loving home.
In the community, Robbie served as the Co-Chair of the Gilmanton Academy Restoration Committee and the Iron Works Town Hall Restoration Committee. She served with great pleasure on the Gilmanton Year-Round Library Building Committee and dedicated years of service to the Smith Meeting House Cemetery Association, serving as Secretary and Past President.
Knowing Robbie meant witnessing or joining in her favorite activities, including photography, drawing and painting, studying history, birdwatching, and exploring the natural world. Her adventurous spirit, deep care for others, and lifelong dedication to community are an enduring example to all who knew and loved her.
Beloved younger sister Florence “Flo” Skantze predeceased her in September 2024. Robbie is survived by her sister Sylvia Roberts O’Reilly and brother, George B. Roberts, Jr., and sister-in-law Margaret Roberts; brother-in-law Walter H. Skantze; nephews Donald Skantze and wife Kjersti, Norman Skantze and wife Terri, Hugh O’Reilly and wife Caroline, and Daniel G. O’Reilly; step-niece Kelly Considine and step-nephew Biff O’Reilly and wife Jeanne; and nieces Abbie Roberts and husband Jacob Altemus and Jessica Roberts and husband Dalen Todd. She also leaves twelve grand and great nephews and nieces, as well as many cousins.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 3:00–5:00 pm, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Gilmanton in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Congregational Society in Gilmanton, 461 Meeting House Road, Gilmanton, NH 03237, or the charity of your choice.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.