Barbara Ann Roberts

“I maybe small but I’m mighty” - those were the words that Mother often said to my siblings and me.  At just under 5 feet tall my mother could hit a baseball out of the field.   She was a wonderful mother and an honest, hardworking person.  I miss her dearly.  I lost my mother at Thanksgiving in 2000 to cancer at the age of 72.  Her battle was short and for that I am thankful. 

As I write this I’m trying to think of one special time that sticks in my mind the most.  There were so many.  My mother was an avid gardener and a judge for the American Iris Society.  Her show gardens were visited by people from all over New England. She grew the most beautiful iris of all species, sizes and colors. She introduced so many new seedlings that to this day are still available.  In spring and early summer our yard was always so colorful with hundreds of vibrant flowers growing in well manicured flower beds. 

My mother’s talents went far beyond gardening.  She was very creative and in winter she worked on her many crafts.   She made the cutest Christmas tree ornaments.  And her crafts didn’t stop there. She made beautiful arrangement and centerpieces, wall hangings, paintings and wreaths.  She worked so hard and donated all her time to making these wonderful crafts for the church Holiday fair.  The fair was held in the church hall each December and those who had the most exquisite items held a spot on the stage.  Year after year there was my mother on this stage displaying her many gorgeous crafts for all to see and buy.  She was so talented and creative and had a knack for making something out of nothing.  As a young girl I enjoyed spending time with my mother working on crafts. 

Mom was also a good sport.  She was a den leader, girl scout leader, sang in the church choir, arranged the Sunday flowers for church, was a Deaconist, attended and helped at all school functions and was a good friend to any one that knew her.  She loved cards and especially Scrabble (until I became a teen and was able to finally win).  Mother was, and still is, a very special person to me, my family and anyone who knew her.  I will never forget all the fun we had whether we’d be home doing something fun, camping on vacation or helping out at the church.   I miss her every day.  -- Leslie Marsland