WASSON, ROBERTA AUSTIN - Roberta Wasson, 98, passed away peacefully January 7 at her home in Newcastle Creek, NB. Roberta was born on June 8, 1913 in Newcastle Creek the daughter of Lola and Garnet Sypher, sister of Lorna Fulton (Russell), Glenna Chapman (Dana) and brother Russell Sypher. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family. Roberta loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, carving, feeding birds, taming squirrels, calling loons, watching wildlife and Herald Hunter’s cows. She was always on the go, piloting her small fishing boat, driving her car through the woods and on the back roads to nowhere. The family cottage at Douglas Harbour on Grand Lake, her favorite place on earth, was Roberta's nature school for her children, their cousins, grandchildren and young friends who spent joyful creative summers in that beautiful setting with this special lady. She would often happily create a feast on the beach over an open fire for family and then join them all for stories around an evening campfire. Her devotion to family, her quiet curiosity, caring and kindness were the cornerstones of her long life and those that will endure in the memories of all who shared that life with her. Throughout their lives together, Roberta was a partner in both coal mining and road building businesses with her husband, Aubrey (1915-1976). They enjoyed time spent with employees and contacts from all walks of life. They formed many lasting friendships through their businesses and in their travels. She was a founding member of the Minto chapter of the Eastern Star. She faced her Alzheimer diagnosis with the same grace, courage, strength, dignity, determination, hope, that has inspired her children, their children and her great grandchildren all of whom she loved unconditionally and who in turn consider her to be hugely influential, the Ultimate Grandmother they were so lucky to have in their lives. Her quiet patience, thoughtfulness for others, independence and, above all, her love will endure in the hearts of family and friends forever. She is survived by her son, Orland Wasson (Brenda) Pennsylvania, and daughter, Wilma Ross (Barrie), Nova Scotia. Grandchildren Todd Wasson, FL, Tanya Omatick, PA and Kate Ross, NS.Great Grandchildren Danielle and Matthew Wasson (FL) Austin and Logan Omatick, PA. Nieces Myrna White (Dave), and Verley Bridges. Nephews Butch Chapman (Nancy), Garnet Sypher (Joan), Wayne Fulton preceded her in death in 2010. Special thanks to Stephanie Gaudette, Inez McMann, Sheila Thorne, The Briggs, Calabrese, Colpitts, Glenns, Wassons and our Douglas Harbour “family”. And finally, thank you to the amazing care givers and their husbands: Gail Barton, Marlene Sullivan, Brenda Chase and the Extra-Mural nurses for their care, kindness, compassion and friendship.
No visitation or service is scheduled at this time, a service will be scheduled an announced in the spring. www.hoggfunerals.ca