Lynne Roberts, 96, Long-Time Lake Forest Resident, Dies

The following obituary is from Wenban Funeral Home:

Alphonia “Lynne” Roberts, 96, a long time resident of Lake Forest passed away at home on January 29 surrounded by her family. 

She was the wife of the late David “Tom” Roberts (2009); mother of Diane (Jerry) Gold and Caroline Roberts; grandmother of Erik (Kathy) Gold and Wendy (Petro) Rondo; great-grandmother of Angeliki and Thomas Rondo. 

Lynne was born and raised in Great Neck, Long Island, New York. Her parents had sought to escape the oppression of the Czar of Russia and individually stole out of Lithuania in 1911. They joined the masses headed for the United States and entered through Ellis Island. They later met, married and raised their two daughters on Long Island. Her great uncle was the then well known Lithuanian writer, philosopher, educator and priest Julijonas Linde Dobilas. She helped her father, John, to stay in touch with his brother through regular letter writing between the two countries. In later years Lynne and Tom traveled to Lithuania. Her family background truly helped to shape Lynne into a quietly strong but compassionate woman who found her way first to work in New York City. Outside of work Lynne enjoyed her friends and loved dancing on roller skates, a popular sport of the time, where a young man named Tom befriended her and later they married during the summer of 1942. After World War II they moved to Tom's hometown, Lake Forest in 1948 where they raised their two daughters. 

For over 60 years Lynne was active in her community and loved being with people. She loved her time at Dickinson Hall. She was very involved at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, where she devoted much time and energy. She treasured her membership in the P.E.O. Sisterhood and down through the years acquired many dear friends there, at Dickinson and at the church. Her work career included being bookkeeper at the Winter Club and O'Neill's Hardware and later, receptionist for Dr. Lionel Schewitz' office. Her daughters will always have fond memories of their mother in her 1934 Plymouth and living with over 200 African violets that she enjoyed as a hobby. Her "home cooking" was amazing and friends were always welcomed to the house for dinner. Her kind, quiet demeanor and selfless, loving manner will never be forgotten. She made everyone feel special and her beautiful smile will always be in our memories.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025. 

Interment will be private at Lake Forest Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. Info – Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, 847-234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com.