Frances K. Roberts

Frances K. Roberts, 77, of Norwich, died peacefully on April 16, 2022, in the comfort of her home, in Norwich, NY.

Fran was born November 17, 1944, the second of four daughters, to Frank and Lottie (Sroczyk) Koziol, of Auburn, NY. She graduated with the Class of 1963 from Auburn Central High School. After graduating, she attended Cayuga Community College, then began working with the Singer Company. Soon after, she met the greatest love of her life and future husband, William John Roberts, Jr., also of Auburn.

Fran and Bill were married on May 20, 1967, at St. Hyacinth’s Church, in Auburn. They began their life together in Auburn, where they welcomed two sons, Jim and Brian, and a daughter, Annette. Much to Fran’s reluctance of leaving her life in Auburn, the family relocated to Norwich in 1974, as Bill began his career with the Norwich Shoe Company. It didn’t take long for Fran to settle into the Norwich community, where she quickly found joy, and made lifelong friendships. After some time, Bill and Fran welcomed a fourth child, their second daughter, Laura.

After devoting many years to her young family, Fran began a career as a medical billing clerk with Dr. Larry Rosenblum, both neighbor and dear friend, with whom she continued working until her retirement from Central Diagnostic Imaging, in 2011. Fran truly loved working there, and cherished the friendships and laughs that she shared with her coworkers.

Fran was a member of the Chenango Arts Council. She truly enjoyed the performances and events organized by the council, and appreciated the many ways that it enriched the culture of our community.

In her retirement, Fran found a new joy: dancing! She was an active member of the Norwich Dance Club for many years, and spent much of her free time dancing the nights away. Even late in her illness, her body recalled the steps to the latin dances that she rehearsed so many times before. It was a beautiful sight to witness.

In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her children, Jim Roberts, Brian Roberts, Annette Roberts, and Laura (Daniel) Grady; her grandchildren, Alexandra Roberts, Amy Roberts, Tyler Roberts, Miles Grady, Violet Grady; one great-grandson, Noah Roberts; her sisters, Kathie Rutkowski, of Syracuse, NY, Christine (William) Long, of Auburn, NY, and Paula (Danilo) Merlini, of Minusio, Switzerland; several nieces, a nephew, and cousins; and her lifelong best friend, Shirley Stott, of Auburn.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the amazing caregivers: Emily, Kim, Janine, and Bob who cared for Fran in her final years. Through their unrelenting dedication, support, and love, Fran was able to live the remaining years of her life at home.

Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Contributions in Fran’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.