Ann M. Roberts

VOORHEESVILLE - Ann M. Roberts passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

At the age of 91, the same words described Ann Roberts that described her whole life: beautiful, stylish, young, loyal, generous, compassionate, brave, strong and smart. In her early life, Ann grew up off Western Avenue in Albany, attended Albany High School and Mildred Elley Business School. With her husband Philip Roberts, she raised a large family and was the behind the scenes partner in the building of Roberts Real Estate. Ann had her real estate broker's license and was proud to maintain it well into her 80"s. When her husband Phil was paralyzed in his 40's after an illness, she accepted her role of caregiver and newly baptized financial manager, all the time looking her best and holding her head high. After her husband's death in 1972, Ann was active in many local non-profit causes, and over the years became a well known fixture at the Albany Country Club and the University Club. She was most proud of being invited to model at local fundraising events and stood tall for her 5'1 ¾" amongst many taller and less wise models. She had many friends with whom she enjoyed socializing, and due to her passion for walking and exercise, remained healthy well into her senior years, for which her family is very grateful. We loved and admired her greatly.

Ann is predeceased by her parents Lawrence Molloy and Anna Ehrhardt Molloy of Albany, her brother Lawrence and sister Rita, and her husband Philip E. Roberts who passed in 1972. She is survived by her sisters Sheila Duell, a close neighbor in Voorheesville and Marcia Molloy of Florida. In 2008 and 2009, respectively Ann lost two of her children Evan and Ann, and in 2002 lost her grandson Hugh Roberts Jr. Her remaining children are her daughters, Sheila diPalma of Denville, NJ and Lisa Roberts (Tom Francesconi) of Saratoga Springs; and her sons Philip of Voorheesville, Owen (Laurel) of Guilderland, and Hugh (Christina) of Bolton Landing and Albany. Ann was very proud of her 12 grandchildren: John, Jason, Corinne and Lisa (diPalma); Jackie, Philip, Amy and Elizabeth (Roberts), Christine Koubek (Ann's daughter), Alek and Bronic Roberts and Trevor Roberts Francesconi. In addition Ann leaves 10 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Kolodjiez, who cared for Ann for 11 years and for whom she always put on her lipstick; Community Hospice, and her new friend Cathy A., LPN, who won over Ann's heart when she insisted she didn't need any "babysitters" in the house. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Community Hospice of Albany or a breast cancer charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. (rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Sunday from 1 to 4 at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Agnes, Menands.