Roberta Marie Smith

Roberta Marie (Royce) Smith, who lived a life full of love, laughter and compassion for others, passed away late on July 15 after a long illness. 

She was born in Sacramento, California, and spent her life there, after brief stints in Davis for college (University of California) and Kauai, Hawaii, for an early-career adventure in her lifelong profession as an elementary school teacher in West Sacramento. Wife to Calvin and mother to Laura and Emily, she was a role model for so many, always leading with kindness, thoughtfulness and incredible patience. An active member of the Methodist church for most of her life, she cooked for countless events, philanthropic luncheons and fundraising bake sales, and had great fun with longtime friends in the women’s groups she so loved (including PEO, MOMs and United Methodist Women). 

Her Christmas toffee was legendary. She loved Hawaii, Disney, Southern California, musical theater, good food, beautiful flowers, great books and family time. She reliably wept at Hallmark commercials and loved following her favorite social media personalities online. Her muffins, skillet spaghetti, crockpot soups, egg casseroles and quiet, steadfast commitment to loved ones - including all the time spent driving kids to dance class and sports practice years ago - will never be forgotten. She treasured sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her parents Eunice and Tom Royce, and is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years - Calvin; daughters Laura (Brandon) Borrman; Emily Smith; grandchildren Sadie and Dashiell Borrman; brother Tom Royce; and nieces Kristin and Courtney and their families, along with many lifelong friends. 

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23 at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church on J Street. 

Contributions welcome to CurePSP (psp.org), Broadway Sacramento/Music Circus, PEO (peointernational.org), or your favorite library, school or garden society. Or, simply make a meal for someone. Do something kind.