Mary "Carolyn" Roberts

On March 16, 2021, Mary “Carolyn” ended the final chapter of her story, surrounded spiritually and virtually in love and prayer by her daughter, family and friends; and at her bedside son, Scott, as she drew her last heroic breath. After a year of COVID-19 isolation; the restrictions took their toll. Prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Mary Carolyn found such joy during social time at her home within Savannah Cove of Maitland; in the company of her dear friend Ron, dining at the “Coffee Shop”, going for rolls and strolls in the courtyard, participating in a multitude of activities that allowed her to laugh and share her humor and vivacious spirit. Our Heavenly Father, along with family and friends who preceded her in death have now welcomed her home with celebration and open arms. Carolyn concluded this 87th Chapter in her life much sooner than her earthly family and friends had hoped. Mary Carolyn was born in Chariton, Iowa in 1934, to Lawrence (b.1906 - d.1982) and Francis (Smith) (b. 1910 - d. 2004) Offenburger. She was the oldest of 7 siblings, including James (b. 1935 - d. 1935), Robert (b. 1937 - d. 1956), Nancy (b. 1939 - d. 1939), Sandra (Sweet)(b.1941), Linda (b. 1944 - d. 1945), and John (b.1948). Her childhood in Iowa was spent growing up, as her name implied “beloved and strong”, a daughter, sister, and best friend to many. In the words of her mother, written on a portrait taken at 14 months old, “walks, talks and is as devilish as she looks”. Her early years were filled with family, playtime and the Catholic church. Carolyn and her Newton High School friends were very close and always dreaming of the next adventure in life. Aside from her Des Moines Times newspaper route with her brother Bob, Carolyn began her first big job just out of high school with her future Father-in-Law at his Accounting firm. Her big adventure took her to the outskirts of Chicago, Illinois, with Alan M. Roberts (b.1927-d. 2001) and eventually to Winter Park, Florida in the early 1950s to start her young family while the family business, Roberts Bookkeeping and Tax Service was started with the efforts of all the family after relocating from Iowa. After the tragic death of her younger brother Bob while on deployment with the USMC, her parents, little sister Sandy and little brother John soon would follow to allow both sides of the family to be together. During these early years, Carolyn enjoyed her tight-knit group of Lakemont Drive girlfriends and working at the historic Winter Park Telephone Company as a switchboard operator to support the family as the accounting business grew. In 1975 Carolyn took over ownership of the family business, started in 1948 by her former father-in-law, Cyril “Scotty” Roberts. During this time and prior, this family run business encompassed the fortitude of Carolyn’s father, sister, brother, brother-in-law, former father-in-law (Scotty), and former husband (Alan) who created the cornerstones of support around her leadership. Meanwhile, her children Scott and Linda, nieces and nephews got their hands wet in real-time support positions after school. Behind the scenes, her mother (MeMe) tended the arduous task of being the caretaker of the children to support the working parents in the business. This was a Small Family Business at its’ finest. She saw it through exponential growth until her retirement in 2000. The office was located on Edgewater Drive, in College Park and consulted with many of Central Florida’s prominent small businesses of the day. The service continues today, 73 years later, under the direction of her son, Scott. A strong, warm, kind, and fiercely independent, Catholic woman: she was TVs “Maude, Rhoda, and Mary Richards” all rolled into one revolutionized package sporting stylish pantsuits; and a heart of gold. The family was always the center point of Carolyn’s being. Family to Carolyn was a constant swirling of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and a multitude of nieces and nephews underfoot and her former husband Alan. It was always said that once you’re a part of the Roberts family, you can’t get out. In her children’s eyes, she was: Giving, Nurturing, Tolerant, Strict, and “cool”; she had the uncanny ability to make the Roberts House the place to be in the 1970s. Carolyn enjoyed family to the fullest, uniquely relishing her 2 children: Linda M. Javadi (and husband Marc) of Atlanta, GA; Scott A. Roberts (Terri Hechtman, former wife and good friend) of Winter Park, FL; her 5 grandchildren: Trevor Roberts of Winter Park, FL; Ben Roberts (and wife Ally) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Anya Javadi of Atlanta, GA; Greg Javadi deployed USMC, and Alex Javadi of Atlanta, GA; 3 great grandchildren and the lights of her life: Bryson Roberts, Mason Roberts, and Gracie Roberts all of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister Sandra Sweet (and husband, the late Eli Sweet) of Winter Springs, FL; nephews Chris Sweet of Clermont, FL, Steve Sweet of Kissimmee, FL and Brian Sweet of Winter Springs, FL (along with their respective families); her brother John Offenburger (and wife Denise) of Port Saint Lucie, FL and nieces Jenni O. Hull of Sutton, MA and Kim Offenburger of South Dennis, MA (along with their respective families). Carolyn never met a stranger, conversation and wit being her instant draw. She was endearing and funny. Friendship was serious business to Carolyn, once a friend you never fell from her radar screen. Her heart was large, and her door open to all. She always had time to listen, never one to judge, but would always deliver her opinion. Her pearls of wisdom have been planted in many. She walked her faith quietly never asking for notoriety. Charity comes from the heart, not to seek recognition was her mantra. Like her namesake Mary, she expressed the true Marian spirit, quiet and unseen, supporting her beloved places: Catholic Social Services, St Jude’s Hospital, St. Charles Borromeo Church, and St. Margaret Mary Church. Carolyn was the “Martha Stewart” before it was a household name, venturing into a multitude of crafts and art projects. In the early 1960s, Carolyn was the only Winter Park housewife to have a personal ceramic kiln on her back patio. Carolyn created many a family heirloom and uncountable statues of the Blessed Mother. In her retirement years, Carolyn took up her mother’s passion for sewing. State of the art sewing equipment was her obsession and the word “Sewing Circle” broadened her friendships tenfold upon her retirement. Family and friends have been blessed with a multitude of her masterful heirloom quilts, hand-crafted unique teddy bears, and elaborate costumes that sent her grandchildren into fanciful worlds. The family also thanks the dedicated nurses, CNA’s and staff at Savannah Cove of Maitland. Not to the exclusion of anyone, but especially to David, Joanne, Eva, Yvonne, Angel – (The Rice Crispy Man), Tempe and Requisha. The entire staff at Savannah Cove all gave such excellent care to “Mary” as they knew her for 2 years; comforting her, entertaining and making her laugh during this trying time when we were unable to visit as we once did. This team of devoted professionals will forever be considered family in our hearts. Truly, a life well lived. Please join our family at a Zoom Memorial being planned soon for Mary “Carolyn” Roberts if you would like to express your memories. RSVP now for an invite link (once planned) to Lm.Javadi@gmail.com A Catholic Service will be held in the future as well, but due to Covid the date is uncertain. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; her passion for many years.

Mary "Carolyn" Roberts

January 28, 1934 - March 16, 2021