Obituary of Roberta Needham

ROBERTA VIRGINIA NEEDHAM January 13, 1939 - Valentine's Day 2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Roberta "Robbie" Needham, daughter of Garfield and Elizabeth Taylor of Bocabec, New Brunswick. After a long illness, she passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Roberta leaves her husband of fifty years, Michael J. Needham; her children, Elizabeth, Catherine and Richard; her daughter-in-law, Naomi Kono and son-in-law, Rob Carscadden. From a large family, Robbie leaves four brothers, five sisters, an uncle, four aunts, including Selma Taylor of Barrie, Ontario and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Robbie also leaves beloved members of the Kowalsky family; particularly, Helen and Connie, sisters of her first husband, Glenn. Robbie devoted much of her life to her family; she especially supported educational opportunities for her children and grandchildren, and for many of her and Michael's kin. Robbie was highly practical and had a keen eye for business - the true daughter of a New Brunswick lumberman. Indeed, it was her $5,000 savings that seeded Michael's entrepreneurial ambitions at the start of their marriage, and it was Robbie's confident raising of their family that allowed Michael the freedom to fulfill their shared dreams. Those who know Robbie admired her frankness, determination and courage. Whether studying as an adult to attain her B.A. in English at Glendon College (a labour of love that took 20 years), calming rambunctious children, or battling the challenges of multiple myeloma, the strength of Roberta's character was clear. Finally Robbie left us in no doubt as to the question: why was I born? For her, it was her six grandchildren: Oliver, Emma, and Alistair Carscadden, and Musashi, Taka, and Sola Needham. Their love for "Gammy" was deep, her life's great task and greater reward. Celebrations of Roberta's life will be held in New Brunswick and Toronto in the Spring. Condolences can be sent to: The Needham Family, 6 Warren Road, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2R5 and through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com. If friends so desire, a donation in Roberta's memory would be appreciated, either to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Hematology Clinic), as their amazing support kept her quality if life high for over a decade longer than expected. Or to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Hospital, who provided palliative care of the highest standard.