Obituary of Shirley Mae Roberts

Shirley Mae Roberts, age 82 of Derby, beloved wife of the late James A. Roberts, Sr., died peacefully on July 30, 2022 at the Shady Knoll Health Care Center, Seymour, surrounded by her family.  Born in Derby on April 30, 1940, she was the daughter of the late James Charles and Florence Rice McMahon.  Mrs. Roberts was a lifelong Derby resident, graduate of Derby High School and was a devout parishioner of St. Mary’s/St. Jude Church, Derby.  She worked as a secretary for the New England Engineering Co., until the time of her retirement.  Her greatest joy in life came from her grandchildren.  She would often babysit and spend quality time with them as they grew from infants to adults.  Mrs. Roberts centered her life around her family, ensuring each family gathering was a memorable experience.  She is survived by her devoted children, James Roberts Jr. and his wife Bozena of Oxford and Kimberly Celone and her husband Mark of Derby; a sister, Joan Coppolo of Derby, cherished grandchildren, Jimmy Roberts III and Jessica Roberts of Oxford and Alyssa Celone and Nicole Celone of Derby, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband of 41 years, she was predeceased by a sister, Beverly McMahon and a brother, James “Nick” McMahon. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday morning, August 6, 2022 from 9:00 to 9:45 AM, prior to mass. Funeral services will take place at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby at 10:00 AM.  Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery, Derby. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.