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Mary E. Roberts

Mary Elizabeth Nugent Roberts, age 88 of Radnor died Thursday evening, December 27, 2012 at Wexner Heritage House in Columbus.  She was born March 25, 1924 to the late William Michael and Kathleen (Ryan) Nugent.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, William Nugent. Mary had a deep spiritual commitment to her faith as a Catholic, which guided and informed her throughout her extraordinary life.  She had a vivid, clever humor enjoyed by her friends that continued to amuse caregivers even in her final days. She grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, where she met her future husband Capt. Edgar Roberts while he was stationed nearby for training during World War II.  Edgar went overseas to war as a B-17 pilot, and during that time, Mary earned her first degree, a B.A. in English from Briar Cliff College.  After the war, she began her marriage to Edgar that was to last until his death more than 54 years later.  The adventure and extraordinary productivity of her marriage began as Mary moved from the city life she knew to life on the Roberts farm in Radnor, Ohio.  She not only learned the vigor of farm life, but also brought to both her family and the Radnor community her commitment to excellence in education that was so deep a part of her for her entire life. While raising five children and managing her part of the farm activities such as hand-making clothes and preserving farm-grown foods, Mary was able to earn her Master Degree in Guidance and Counseling from The Ohio State University and at the same time pursue her career in education that included teaching at Radnor High School and Buckeye Valley High School, administration as Assistant Director for Student Services at OSU, and guidance counseling for the Delaware City Schools and Buckeye Valley.  She also donated her professional skills to the community serving on the Buckeye Valley Board of Education, the Delaware Mental Health Board, the Advisory Committee of the Delaware City-County Joint Vocational School, and numerous state committees appointed to study various means of improving education state-wide. Mary’s stubborn insistence upon excellence in her own life was instilled in all aspects of her children’s lives.  As one example, with respect to the education that she cherished, that commitment produced in her children five undergraduate degrees and four master degrees.  That same stubborn insistence had an immeasurably positive effect upon the numerous students and young people with whom she worked.  Many of those students cite Mary’s influence as a significant factor in positive choices that they have made throughout their lives. Mary is survived by her five children, Thomas Allen (Joan) Roberts, Mary (Tom) Fernald, Daniel Edgar Roberts, John Emery (Tammy) Roberts, and Joseph Nugent Roberts, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, her sister, Kathleen Nugent Lowndes,  and the innumerable people whose lives she improved through her life-work.  Those who survive Mary admire her for her care of people, her insistence upon quality, and her countless contributions to her community, which is a better place as a result of her well-lived life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Delaware with Rev. James P. Black officiating.  Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery.  Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Prospect where a Rosary Service will be held at 7 PM. Memorial gifts may be made to the Heinzerling Foundation, 1800 Heinzerling Dr., Columbus, OH 43223-3698 Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to Prospect Cemetery Florist Login Feel free to post a remembrance on this person's birthday, anniversary of passing, holidays, or whenever feels appropriate.

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Remembrances       to #1 from: Ernie Humbert Toledo, Ohio bridgetimez@aol.com Wed, Dec 12, 2018 at 5:47 PM My belated sympathies to the family of Mary Roberts.  She had a profound impact on my life through the assistance she provided to me at The Ohio State University branch in Marion, Ohio.  Thank you, Mary. View Older Condolences >> Condolences       to #1 from: Pauline Oehler 20014 N. Trading Post, Sun City West, AZ  85375 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 11:36 AM As the family of Lester and Maxine Daugherty, we send our condolences to you on the loss of your mother. Our parents enjoyed the times spent with yours and especially the days at Padre Island, TX. May her memory and love be a comfort to you. Pauline Oehler Peggy and Tom Knickel Dr. Carolyn Daugherty Mathiasen #2 from: Tracy and David Henderson Keller, Texas Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 7:43 PM We are so sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Grandma Roberts was truly a remarkable woman.  I'm glad I was able to meet her and see how wonderful she was.   #3 from: judith williams-buck United States Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 9:44 PM remembering your mother, mary, english & literature class of 1960 radnor high #4 from: The Quackenbush family Bishop, GA Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 10:25 AM So sorry to hear of your loss.  Mary clearly did her best work at home.  Anyone meeting Joe and speaking with him was acutely aware of the kindness, decency and respect he felt and shared for others.  Lessons he no doubt learned from the cradle on from his Mom.  Although we never met her we rejoice in her life.  How she lived and shared and grew are inspirational.  Thank you Mary. #5 from: Daniel Roberts   Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 10:39 AM Thanks for the memories--Mom! Dan Roberts -- your son #6 from: George and Evelyn Ghearing Prospect. Ohio Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 1:40 PM We enjoyed our friendship with Mary and the fellowship and meals we shared.  Our condolences to Mary's family and deepest love to Mary. George and Evelyn Ghearing #7 from: Linda Taylor-Seiter Blanchard, MI Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 3:28 PM I loved Mary from the first class she taught me at Radnor.  I was in Jr. High and she instilled in me a love of English. She remained a friend for life. You are truly blessed to call her Mother. You will surely miss her but I know you have many fond memories which will carry you through. #8 from: Jean & Wallace Guy 1218 E. Maitland Lane, New Castle, Pa. Mon, Dec 31, 2012 at 1:41 PM Please accept our sincere sypathy in the deat of your mother.   We will always remember the good times we had at our reunions and our visits to Mary at her new home in Columbus. #9 from: Marilou Mitchell 1597 State Route 203, Delaware, OH 43015 Tue, Jan 1, 2013 at 11:18 AM Mary was such a gentle soul - she was gracious and caring and an angel on earth. Amy, Lisa, Laura, and David were under her wings at Buckeye Valley - blessings to you, Mary. I so regret not being able to come to visitation or the funeral mass due to working (OSU Medical Center). Joe, if you can, please stop by while you are here - call (cell): 614-371-9576. #10 from: Garth Aldrich Delaware Tue, Jan 1, 2013 at 7:40 PM Tom,sorry to hear about your mom.                                Garth #11 from: Paul Davis Crystal River, Fl Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 2:56 AM My sincere condolences to Tom and his family over the loss of your mother.  Mary was a very warm, thoughtful and intelligent person whom I and everyone loved.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as we thank God for allowing us to know and be blessed by Mary, Edgar and your entire, wonderful family.  You and your family have always seemed to be God's example of how a family should love others and one another. With love from our family, Paul and Diane Davis #12 from: Debbie Courter Husted Marion, Ohio Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 8:07 AM Tom and Family Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Deb Husted #13 from: Joyce Mitchell Shramo Avon Lake, Ohio Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 8:19 AM So sorry to hear about your Mom she was a wonderful lady you don't fine many like her our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. #14 from: Michael and Diane Highland Tiefenthaler 12825 Tollgate Rd. Pickerington, Ohio 43147 Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 10:24 AM I can remember being a very frightened, unsure of myself, freshman at OSU Marion (known in those days as "The Branch").  One of the first people I met there was Mary Roberts.  I remember her kindness and guidance, all done with a touch of humor, that made those early college years some of the most memorable of my life.  I remember how she told me that she had a daughter my age, and that I would probably be meeting her in class soon.  Indeed, I did meet her daughter, Mary, (who will be forever Mary Sue to me), and we became friends, and later on, roommates, as we continued to persue our education and dreams at OSU. My husband, Michael, joins me in expressing our sorrow to you, Mary Sue, your brothers and your entire family at this sad time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. #15 from: Lori & Phil Maxwell St. Simons Island, GA Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 11:24 AM Tom, Joan and family. Please know that our thoughts are with you.  Your Mother, Mary, was a strong light in your life that will live in your hearts forever.  Her gifts will last for generations. #16 from: Rebecca Thompson LaRue Richwood, Ohio Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 1:46 PM Thinking of all of you firing this time of loss.  Your mother was one very special lady..I am proud to have known her. Love, Becky #17 from: Elinor Robison, Janet Oglesby, Joyce Shafer New Castle PA Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 10:08 PM Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your mother. There was a special bond with this generation of cousins. Your mother helped maintain that bond with her hospitality when we visited the Roberts’ farm. We will miss her intellect, her humor, and her memories of family. What we will miss most, was her warmth that made you feel that you were her favorite cousin. Elinor Robison, Janet Oglesby, Joyce Shafer #18 from: Karen DeVore Grove City, OH Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 10:19 PM Thinking of all of you and sending my deepest sympathy.  I met your mom two years ago on the first day that I started to volunteer at Wexner.  I had the pleasure of visiting with her every Tuesday!  Your mom was delightful - she spoke about you each week, expressing pride in her family.  She also came to know my family through our conversations.  I will miss her dearly but will always cherish our friendship.   "May the memories carry you through this sorrowful time.  Memories are the legacy of love." Prayers and Peace, Karen (Wexner Volunteer) #19 from: Vickie Looney Conner Delaware, OH Thu, Jan 3, 2013 at 4:35 PM Tom, I was so sorry to hear about your mother.  I can relate to what you are feeling right now, as I lost my mom six years ago tomorrow and still think of her every day.  All family members are precious but Moms are very special. I am sure she will be with you always. Vickie #20 from: James F.Hoffman 342 E. Church St. Urbana, Ohio Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 2:55 PM I am very saddened to just hear of Mary's passing. She was a great friend of my mother for many years. I knew her all of my life. I particularly remeber her letting me know she "believed in me" in my college years at OSU. She will always be fondly remembered in my heart. To her children, whom I have also known my entire life, you have my deepest sympathies and condolences. #21 from: Teresa Watkins Radnor Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 11:14 AM Dear Roberts Family, I was unable to attend the calling hours, but I do want you to know that I am thinking of you and am grateful for the rich full life that your mother lived.  She was a leader, an inspiration to her students, and an asset to the Radnor community.  You are blessed to have had such a special mother. Sincerely, Teresa Watkins #22 from: Jack Ellison Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 9:05 AM I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing.  She was a great influence on me continuing my education at OSU Marion and Columbus.  She will be greatly missed by the many whose lives she touched.

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