Marlborough – Roberta Rhodes, 82, died peacefully at home in Marlborough, MA on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.
Roberta was born on September 23, 1937, in Pittston, PA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Blanche (Paluski) Kozloski. She was one of 7 children in a very tight knit family.
She graduated from Mercy College with a degree in nursing and specialized in Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, naturally motivated by helping those in need. She was a sports fanatic and local tennis champion until arthritis forced her to give up the sport she loved. These attributes made her a vocal advocate at child/grandchild sports and a fierce opponent to any umpire, referee, coach, teacher, or parent who was unfair to any child or person. In sports and life, she taught the value of hard work, the ability to take joy in playing hard, and to win or lose with grace and humility.
She was well known for her homemade cooking, particularly her Christmas cookies, which she gave away well over 1,000 cookies each year. She continued this tradition right up through her very last Christmas.
Her greatest joys in life were her family. She enjoyed a close relationship with her siblings, especially with her sister Marie. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world. She never missed recitals, games and important events if she had anything to say about it. At 5’5” and 102 lbs., she was a force to be reckoned with!
She is survived by her son, Valentine Rhodes and his wife Julie of Scottsdale, AZ; her daughter, Mia Gomez and her husband, Jerry of Hopkinton, MA and 4 grandchildren, Stephen, Casey, Taylor and Valentine, as well as 19 nieces and nephews.
Following cremation, services will be held at a later date.
