Barbara Alice Roberts

barbara roberts

Barbara Alice Roberts, 68, of Winter Park, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2021.
Barbara was born on October 29, 1953, to the late Charles and Maria Lanz in Philadelphia, PA.
After Barbara graduated from Frankford High School in 1971, she went on to study Education at East Stroudsburg University.
Barbara married the love of her life, Jim Roberts, in 1976. They grew up together in Philadelphia and were inseparable throughout their adult life.
Barbara graciously touched and influenced so many people. She welcomed others into her ‘family’ with an open heart, and quite often, a warm, home-cooked meal. Her personal passion for quilting and her work with the Peaks N Pines Quilt Guild and Grand Quilters led her to be a leader for the Quilts of Valor Foundation, which provided comfort and love to our nations veterans. Her love of travel took her around the world, where she had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions. Barbara enjoyed the mountains and the outdoors. She spent the majority of her days on the slopes in the winter and on the golf
course in the summer, alongside her sweetheart.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Jim Roberts; her sisters, Maria (Lanz) Fehnel, her husband Vern, and Ruth (Lanz) Davies; her son James Roberts, his wife, Melissa, along with their three children, Alexander (13), Silas (8), and Ella (7); and her son, Eric Roberts, his wife Erin along with their daughter, Vera (6 months); and many nieces and nephews, alongside their families.


A Celebration of Life will be held at Baldoria on the Water located at 146 Van Gordon Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 on December 12, 2021 at 11:00am.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the:

Quilts of Valor Foundation

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  1. Barbara was an avid quilter and a member of the Peaks and Pines quilt group and Grand County Quilters.
    These organizations were a huge part of her life in Grand County. I felt it so important to say this…I made it the first tribute.
    Her Husband Jim

  2. I met Barb in Stowe in 2011. We had so much in common. Same age, maiden names Lanz and Lang ,our husbands were on different sides in the AIG-Liberty Mutual case and we were beginner golfers. We were with our spouses from young ages, the loves of our lives. We all hit it off from day one, comfortable friends, like old shoes. We travelled together to SC and FL and hoped to go to Portugal. Watching the sun come on New Years Day playing Guitar Hero at Stoneybrook was memorable. Also remember the night they drove us to the hospital and saved Steves life. Barbs quilts were works of art and she donated so many beautiful quilts to Quilts of Valor. Speaks volumes. Barb was a kind loving person and a great friend. She will be so missed by so many. Watch over us Barb, we miss you and love you.
    Debbie and Steve

  3. Immediately after Aunt Susans (Susan Hodnot) wedding in Portland Aunt Barb and I ended up on the same series of flights to Dallas through Houston. Our flight to Houston was not permitted to land due to weather and we circled Houston for hours. Our next flight was long gone by the time we landed and there were no more flights to Dallas that evening. I suggested that Aunt Barb and I drive together, through horrible weather, to get to Dallas that night as planned. She said cool – lets do it! We drove 5.5 hours through endless storms and talked the whole drive.

    A year later my girlfriend (now wife) and I flew to New York and stayed with Aunt Barb and Uncle Jim in Tribeca. We have never forgotten that trip, largely because Aunt Barb made our stay so warm, comfortable, and fun.

    Those are my two favorite memories of a wonderful woman who is missed and loved.

  4. Barb's beautiful smiling face in this photo is almost exactly the image that I carry in my mind of her.
    I remember that smile and wonderful variations of that smile arising from various comments/antics from Jim or Eric, from looking at some of Erin's artwork such as the paintings of Asher and Rueben, from talking about quilting, and from holding Vera. Thank you Barb for touching my life in 100% positive manner in the all-too-short few years that I got to know you. Prayers for peace for all the family now.

  5. I am so deeply saddened to lose my dear friend Barbara. Holding fond memories of our shared quilting passion, dinners, snowshoeing and recent visit to Stowe, lucky us!! This wonder woman, full of life and love for others will be missed greatly. She has made a significant impact on our world. Piece be with you.
    Miss and love you forever.
    Betsy and Gary

  6. We are all surprised and saddened by Barbaras unexpected passing. She was a great individual, full of positivity, humor and a love for others. Truly appreciate all the things she did to make us feel welcomed whenever our family was in town. You will be missed, but thank you for leaving such a positive mark on this world.

  7. Barb was many things but the things I recall were a quick smile, never taking herself or others too seriously yet emphatic about the things she believed in. Enjoyed our times at Stowe, company events and the occasional dinner with Maryanne and I. Jim and Barb seemed like perfect partners providing each other with support, respect and encouragement. Jim, our hearts go out to you and your family.

  8. Betsy you know first hand how much joy Barbara had being involved with such wonderful people. It has been a blessing in both our lives.
    Thanks
    Jim

  9. I am so grateful to Barbara for sharing several of her Quilt of Valor patterns and spending the time to educate me on several of the requirements in making and presenting one of these quilts. Barbara sent me a quick note the first week of November letting me know she was not feeling well yet would create and send out my quilt label so I could receive it by the second week of November. Knowing how much these Quilts of Valor meant to her, I am honored to donate to the Foundation in her memory. I thank you and I will miss you.

  10. This is Jim Roberts Virginia
    Your group has given Barbara so much Joy. She was blessed to have her years here in Grand County filled with your kindness and love.
    Jim

  11. Larry
    How nice to read your comments. While I am devastated your post brought me joy.
    Barb enjoyed our work/,social events she loved the ski cup parties we hosted in Stowe.
    Ya know one of the biggest reasons we were probably the only group at AIG to invite wives was because Barbara had a memory like no one else. She remembered guest kids name etc from year to year and would remind me before I started chatting with them. Yes she made a list and studied before our conferences.
    Hey is Marianne still riding horses? Either way give her a hug for me.
    Jim

  12. It was a gift to know Barb. We met Barb through Jim, when I worked at AIG. Anytime we would visit their home (Yardley, PA; NYC; or Stowe, VT) she would make us feel welcome. Barb would be hospitable at all the conferences and meetings with the company. She did institute the rule that spouses attend these annual meetings which resulted in many spouses wanting to be with her during these events. Barb touched so many lives which will stay in our hearts forever. She was the 'North Star'. We miss her Jim. She may be gone from sight but never gone from our heart. Cherished and Loved
    Carolyn and Rob Purdy

  13. I am saddened to hear of Barbara's passing, and thank you, Jim, for letting me know. Barbara was always so welcoming to Christal and me while we visited your home in Yardley – and all the many times that you've both attended our concerts in support of us. I am assured that there is one more angel in heaven and one more star in the sky. Rest in peace, Barbara.

  14. Hi David your Dad always had a special place in my mom's heart. I remember that visit to Uncle Bud like it was yesterday.
    Hope your family is well and thanks for the kind words.
    Jim

  15. Jim, your visits with Barbara and you Mom were very special to my father during the later years of his life. I remember getting together in Yardley and at the place in Newtown, CT, where he was staying before his dementia set in. They meant a lot.

    Let me know when you are back in the NE, let's try to meet up.

  16. Wavel
    You and Crystal gave us lasting memories. Not only when you visited but throughout the years when we would listen to Crystals beautiful music throughout our car journeys. Thanks so much for your kind words and God be with you always.
    Jim

  17. Betsy and Gary
    You became her (and my) closest friend in Colorado. Her time with all her quilting "buddies" literally filled her with joy.

    Thanks for sharing

    Jim

  18. Dear Jim and family, you are such an import part of my happy and loving memories both in Yardley and I. Stowe. I cherish so many funny memories of Barb at the many Lovely Lutheran Ladies retreats. I can hear her energetic laughter now. Barbara made things happen and always with positive results. Jim, you are in our thoughts and daily prayers. Barb was one of the founders of our Prayer Chain at church,
    Im not sure how you are getting through this sudden death of the love of your life but I know you will because Barbs still standing right by your side holding you.
    Love, Berni and Clyde

  19. Dear Jim and family,
    You and Barb have been a very special part of our lives both in Yardley and our visits to Stowe. We always enjoyed special times with you both at Easter, Sunday school,drinks around the fish pond and all the retreats. Barb made the Lovely Lutheran Ladies retreat the best fun time. Special memory of Barb in purple gloves making mudslides! I can hear her wonderful laugh.
    You and Barbara were always so generous and we always had good laughs and some serious conversations too. Barbara and you will continue to be in my prayers which is appropriate since Barb was the founder of the Prayer Chain at church.
    We know that you and the family are going through a really tough time trying to cope with this sudden loss of a special woman. We will hold Barbara's positive spirit and energy in our hearts.
    Love, Berni and Clyde

  20. Mark and I were saddened to hear about Barb. She was a special person who welcomed us with open arms when we joined LCR in Yardley. Memories of Barb and church activities with the youth group, dinners, and women's retreats will stay with us forever. Visits to your home were special and you both were always the most gracious hosts. We missed you when you moved away, and our hearts are with you and your family during this time.

  21. Thank you so much Mark, and Karen for your thoughts and comments. Barbara and I had many fond memories of our years at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. You and Karen were big part of that. In retrospect our decision to move on and move to Vermont turned out the right one for us. I was fortunate to retire early and Barbara and I had 12 years together on one big adventure. I will cherish those years forever. Thank you so much for commenting. Please give my thanks to those on the prayer chain for their prayers for Barbara and I. I liked that Barbara remained a member er of that prayer chain until the end.
    Thanks again Jim

  22. Thanks so much Rob and Carolyn, your North Star comment really resonated with me. She was indeed my compass and guiding light for over 50 years, 45 of them in marriage. My career at AIG was started entirely on her hunch a story for another time.
    Thank you for reaching out.
    Jim

  23. Thanks Tom,
    Her time good times with you and Lynn were way to short.
    She so enjoyed such happiness in her time with Vera….all way to short I'm saddened to say.

    Jim

  24. Dear Bernie and Clyde,
    Thank you for your wonderful thoughts! Barbara (and I of course) always enjoyed your company and visits both in Yardley and in Vermont. AHHH yes, some great discussions on so many topics. Barbara loved sky gazing in Vermont. Especially when Clyde was there to guide us through constellations.
    She adored both Kim (I remember we visited her place in NYC when we lived there). but especially Chris who endeared himself to her when he helped her in the yard on Saly Road.
    You know Bernie…I never "knew" she was in part responsible for it's formation. She probably told me and I responded with "That's great dear"…
    Anyway I always kept up with who you all were praying for and even added a few of my own.
    Again thanks and have the prayer chain continue to pray for our family.
    Jim

  25. Hi Michael
    How kind to share your thoughts from the East Coast.
    Miss you since you moved out of Colorado.

    I have many fond memories of you and your family both here and on a Hawaii Trip Barb and I made years back .

    She loved you all.
    Jim

  26. Dear Jim, It has been a few years since we saw you and Barbara since we moved back to NJ (now in SC). We will never forget Barbaras smile and laugh, her ability to make us feel welcome, and her caring and giving nature. We enjoyed spending time with both of you and miss our get togethers with the kids. We will never forget those times as they are fond memories. We are sure you will do the same and in this way you will keep Barbara forever with you. Love, Marilynda & Drew

  27. Jim & Family,
    Ulrich and I were shocked and saddened at the news of your heart breaking loss.
    Our heart goes out to you, your children and family. We have such nice memories of you and Barbara in Yardley, it's still hard to believe that Barbara is no longer with you.
    I pray your faith will help you stay strong during these sad times, and that the thoughts and prayers of others who care will help comfort and sustain you.
    God Bless You and grant you the gift of Healing and Peace!
    Ulrich and Aida Bertsch

  28. Thanks Marilynda for sharing,

    Yes Barbara's traits of welcoming others and her willingness to care for others is something that was a beacon to us all.
    You captured her essence well!
    Jim

  29. Thanks so much Aida and Ulrich for sharing. Barbara and I had such great memories of our years in Yardley and LCR.
    You both were a big part of that.
    God's blessing to you both!
    Jim

  30. Jim,
    I apologize. I think what she meant to say was that she was sorry for your loss, but missed the mark.

  31. Beautifully said Marilynda. Barbara was a lovely welcoming person as I remember with the times spent in her presence.

  32. Jim & family,

    I will always remember Barbara with a big smile on her face. She was a friendly, bright woman and a pleasure t be with. My most sincere condolences on your tragic loss.

    Sincerely,
    Lisa

  33. Jim and family, our deepest condolences. Barb was always so engaging to be around and always made Helen and I feel so comfortable and welcomed. Some of our best memories are the outings we had together. What a wonderful person, she will be missed. God Bless. Steve and Helen

  34. Hi Lisa it's been awhile. Yesterday's celebration was absolutely wonderful. My son's hit it out of the park. And James and Melissa's children played a meaningful role in our celebration. Thanks for sharing

  35. Thanks Steve yes Barb and I had great memories of those years. I was looking at pictures yesterday of our trip to Tahoe with you guys. Ceremony yesterday was beautiful and my two boys hit it out of the park with their remembrances. If you and Helen Reverend Colorado look me up. Bless you for some great memoried


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