Katharine “Kay” Roberts, 83, of New York City, N.Y., died June 28 at St. Vincent’s Hospital after a short illness.
She was born June 27, 1926, the daughter of Francis Cheney and Dorothy Erskine Roberts in Damariscotta.
She is survived by a brother, Samuel E. Roberts and wife Abbie of Damariscotta Mills; nephews, William McFadden and wife Shirley of Prince Edward Island, Canada, Christopher Roberts and wife Paula of Damariscotta; nieces, Mary Ellen McFadden Kelley and husband James of Dover, N.H., Barbara McFadden Jones Dodge and husband Richard of Hollywood, Fla., Beverley Roberts Andrews and husband Thomas of Bucksport, Deborah Roberts Rix and husband Byron of Chugiak, Ark., and Frances Roberts of Nobleboro; and many great and great-great nephews and nieces.
She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Dorothy McFadden; and an infant brother, John Christopher Roberts; and former husband, Saul Girardi.
Katharine attended schools in Damariscotta, North Yarmouth Academy and Waltham High School, Waltham, Mass.
Before moving to New York City, she operated the News Specialty Shop division of The Lincoln County News.
She was active in community affairs in Damariscotta and state wide, including Girl Scout Leader, member and officer of the Young Republican Club, and served as a Delegate to the Republican National Convention which named President Eisenhower.
After moving to New York, she worked at banks, and the Rockefeller Foundation. She was also involved the many organizations, including Democratic Party, Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, helped found Chelsea Speak Out, and Chelsea for Peace. She was very active in kidney organizations, both on the local level and National groups.
New York State Assembly member, Richard Gottfried had the following to say. “She was a smart, outspoken, dedication and tireless worker for health care as a right for everyone, and countless other causes for peace and social justice. She was also a dear friend.
I will miss her smile and her voice. Her memory will help keep us going on the right path.”
There will be a private family memorial service Sat., Aug. 1.
