Roberta Dow Giampetruzzi, 93, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Nina, in Raymond during the early morning hours of May 25. Roberta was the first child of Mildred Plummer Dow and Robert E. Dow born Oct. 13, 1924. She was born in Brunswick and raised in Augusta. She had one sister, Arolyn Dow Antognoni.
From an early age Roberta demonstrated a strong curiosity or learning and academics and a force of will to set and accomplish goals. She often recalled with pride an early success to become the first chair violinist in the Cony High School orchestra. She received Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages from the University of Maine, Orono.
Roberta met Nino Giampetruzzi at UMO and they married in 1946. She was a devoted mother and raised six children: Janet Blessing, Peter (Sue), David (Carol Sue), Nina (Robert) Kamman, Robert (Joann) and Steven (Ann). They made their home in Portland where Nino owned and operated Felice’s Market.
Roberta shared her love of education as a teacher of English at King Jr. High School in Portland. Her other passion was a rustic camp on Clary Lake in North Whitefield where she and her family spent their summers. She retired there and achieved a sense of well-being.
An accomplished seamstress and knitter, she made her own clothes and knitted countless sweaters for family members (often from wool of her own sheep). She delighted in cooking and was known for her agility in preparing delicious meals.
Roberta was also an adventurer and loved travelling. As an empty nester, she spent several winters in Florida. Roberta immersed herself in English culture, literature and gardens on her many trips to England and explored Western Europe and North Africa.
Roberta is predeceased by husband, Nino; sister Arolyn; and brother-in-law, Robert Antognoni.
She is survived by six children; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
A mass of resurrection in celebration of her life will take place at 10 a.m., Sat., June 9 in the Chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Fund, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, or the Good Shepherd Food Bank.
