Ethel D Roberts' Obituary
Ethel Dorothy Roberts (Lang) passed peacefully November 21, 2017. A long-time resident of Clairemont, Ethel was preceded by her husband Leonard and survived by her daughters Shirley Wilson of Lakeside, Carol Sande of Menifee, Teresa Roberts of Rochester, MN, Diana Martini of San Diego, and her son Richard of San Diego. Ethel enjoyed family gatherings with her children’s spouses (Ed, Steve, Jim, Lance, and Terri), and her eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Ethel was born and raised in Fall River, MA, and worked there in the textile mills. She travelled cross-country by train as a young woman to join her sister Chris in San Diego. Ethel met the love of her life there, a handsome Navy Chief, and they married in 1948. After numerous relocations at the insistence of the US Navy, Ethel moved with her family from Long Beach to San Diego in January 1961, to the community of Clairemont. Ethel joined the other parents of Bert Court and Donald Avenue in keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood children’s antics. While raising her five children, Ethel completed her High School Equivalency at Clairemont Adult School, volunteered countless hours to the Field Elementary School PTA, Boy and Girl Scout organizations, and worked for San Diego City Schools as the Yard Duty at Field Elementary. She also enthusiastically encouraged her children to attend Northminster Presbyterian Church. With an empty nest, which often was ‘refilled’, Ethel enjoyed all sorts of travel, RV camping, Las Vegas or local casinos, and working jigsaw puzzles. Ethel stayed in Clairemont after selling her home in 2006, finding residence at Emeritus (then Summerville) on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Health needs required her move to Merrill Gardens at Bankers Hill (San Diego), and finally, Vista Gardens (Vista, CA). Ethel enjoyed her new “homes”, as she made quick friends with staff, residents, and caregivers. She often was found solving jigsaw puzzles while chatting with others about their families, and trips. Her only regrets were being away from her good friends at Troy’s Restaurant (in the Clairemont Square) and having to give up her long time hairdresser- due to her immobility.
Ethel will be remembered as a loving and caring Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Mother-in-law, and dear friend. Her service will be at Clairemont Mortuary, 4266 Mt Abernathy Ave, San Diego, 92117 on Saturday December 30, 2017. Viewing at 10 am, service at 11 immediately followed by a light reception. Graveside service and burial will then be at Greenwood Memorial Park 4300 Imperial Ave San Diego 92113. The family encourages you to post on Clairemont Mortuary’s Tribute Wall with your fond remembrance or note of sympathy. In lieu of flowers please consider a ‘tribute gift’ in Ethel’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, Alzheimer’s San Diego, or a health charity of your choice.
https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc
Alzheimer’s San Diego
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