Roberta Maria Phillips, 66, of the Villages, FL, formerly of Upper Marlboro, MD passed away peacefully on June 20th, 2015—surrounded by her adoring husband of 25 years, Robert (Bob) A. Phillips and her wonderful children. Roberta was born on April 25, 1949 in Salzburg, Austria. Her grandfather was the caretaker of the Abbey of Nonnberg in Salzburg, the convent made famous in the movie The Sound of Music. After more than 20 years of employment with the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, DC, she left in style thanks to a surprise limo ride compliments of her husband. Her spirit is carried on by her five children (Jessica, Adam, Lauren, Eric and Scott) and seven grandchildren (Ivy, Jonah, Amelia, Everett, Simon, Carter and Ethan), whose photos she would share at every opportunity with prospective friends in checkout lines. “Bert,” as she was known by some friends and family members, loved life and received it as a gift. She enjoyed golfing, going to the movies, holding hands with her husband, weekly trips to Disney World, exploring historic and significant places, socializing with friends and strangers alike, reading obituaries and human-interest articles in the newspaper that revealed interesting details of lives great and simple. To know Roberta was to love her. Those who did, knew just how inexhaustible her love was. She taught family and friends many things throughout her life. Those who have taken the lessons to heart will continue to ensure that a cold drink will be given to every overheated trash collector, every child will be doted over, every stray cat (and an occasional opossum) will be fed and given shelter, every resident of the nursing home will be warmly greeted, the hungry will be fed, and each guest will have a comfortable bed. A memorial service will be held at Fairway Christian Church (251 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, FL 32162) at 11 a.m .on Thursday, June 25. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donating to a charity of one’s choice or performing a random act of kindness in honor of Roberta.
