STRONG – In the early morning hours of Feb. 2, 2019, Roberta Richards made her final journey. She has been joined in heaven by her husbands and many, many friends.
Roberta was born in Rangeley, where she would tell you that she was born under a clothesline on Dallas Hill and was delivered by two older sisters, Inza and Hazel. She was the daughter of Robert and Lillian Nile.
She graduated from Berlin High School (New Hampshire) in 1942. Directly after graduating, she left for Washington, DC, where she worked for the government in the Army Allowance and Allotment Branch. In December of 1942, she moved to New York City with the Allotment section and stayed in Newark, NJ.
In May of 1944, she went to Evansville, Indiana, and married Normand P. Sevigney on Aug. 26. In October of 1944, he went overseas and was killed in action in France. He was awarded the Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster.
Roberta came to Strong in October of 1944 and worked in the office as a bookkeeper and secretary for Forster Manufacturing Company. She married Phillip D. Richards on Sept. 29, 1945.They purchased a large farm on True Hill and she resided there for 72 years.
During her lifetime, she had many other jobs. As a teen, she worked at Brown Company in Berlin. She was a reporter for the Franklin Journal, a bookkeeper for several Strong businesses, a librarian, a secretary at Strong School, a typist for many, a notary public, and a driver for Western Maine Transportation. She worked for elections in the Town of Strong for 35 years.
Roberta cared about youngsters and supported them in many ways. She was a leader for 4H, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. She assisted her children’s classes at school in any way she could. A quote from a parent that sums up her work at Strong School: “I remember she took care of all our children when she was the school secretary. We never worried about them because we knew Roberta was there if they needed anything, she would call us. She was amazing.” (Elaine Allen)
Roberta is survived by; her children, June Richards Flagg and husband Kenneth, Phillip Douglass Richards and wife Christine; grandchildren, Edith Daly, Raymond Nadeau, Shawn Flagg, Tyler Richards and spouse Angela, Jacob Richards and wife Kali; and several great grandchildren. She was predeceased by; both of her husbands; her daughter, Edythe; all of her siblings; and most of her friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Roberta’s memory to the Strong School Library, Attn: Leah Danala, 110 N. Main Street, Strong, ME 04983.
On Saturday, Feb, 9, 2019, visitation will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm, with funeral services to begin at 1 p.m., at the Strong United Methodist Church, 8 Church Hill Rd., in Strong, with Rev. Dee Webber officiating. A comfort reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
Roberta was a one of a kind woman! I loved every minute of working with her at the Strong Elementary School! She will be missed by all who knew her! You earned your wings sweet lady💜
To all of Roberta’s Family: So sorry to hear of Roberta’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time.
My condolences to all of Roberta’s family – I enjoyed many hours away from my classes at the Strong school when I was young spending most of that time with Roberta. She was next door to the principle so I always received some good advice from her before & after my visits there. She remembered & reminded me as I grew up. A very nice & special Lady!
To The family,
She was a delight and a light in a sometimes tough world but will be loved and missed by all that knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Roberta was a wonderful lady and will be missed Prayers to the family form LydiaAnn Luce
My prayers and thoughts are with the Richard’s family at this time. May God bless you all as you go thru this time. of grieving. My love to all
Beautiful woman! Blessings to you and yours.
My condolences and sincere sympathy to each and every one of Roberta’s family members.
I never heard anything but praise when speaking of Roberta.
She was truly a wonderful person.
Ellen White Barnes
My condolences to Roberta’s .family. I spent a lot of time with Roberta while working at the Superintendent’s office together. She was such a special lady with a wonderful sense of humor. I’m grateful for the time I had with her and the smiles that still appear on my face when memories of long ago pop up. She was kind and caring and touched the lives of many, many children and adults. Am certain her wings are firmly in place and she is enjoying new and old friends in her heavenly surroundings.
Thinking of all of you, she was one kind lady, you were so lucky to have her. RIP
If you knew Roberta, you remember something outstanding about her. Her talents were endless, her commitment to community never failing. As a leader in our local schools, in addition to her other duties, she was the “go to person”, to the students she was the mother away from home. She was a very special lady. My condolences to Roberta’s family.