Roberta S. Winitzer

Roberta Sherman Winitzer passed away at the age of 93 on September 12 peacefully at home in Brookline surrounded by family. She was born in Malden, MA, to Joseph Sherman and Sylvia Gerofsky Sherman and grew up in Dorchester with her sister, Sandra Sherman Gray who predeceased her. “Bobbe”, “Auntie Bobbe”, “Mimi” is survived by three children: Ellen Winitzer of Hopkinton, NH, Gary Winitzer of Royalston, MA, and Jill Winitzer (Bob Miller) of Brookline, MA. Five grandchildren: Chrysanthe Tenentes of Los Angeles, CA, Greg Tenentes of Roslindale, MA, (Shaina Trotta Tenentes), Tim Tenentes of Burlington, MA, Jeremy Miller of Miami, FL, and Aliza Miller Etka (Patrick Etka) of Natick, MA. Three great grandchildren: Xander Tenentes, Ella Etka, and Millie Tenentes. Her husband of 60 years, Al Winitzer predeceased her. Roberta and Al raised their family in Sharon, MA, where they were founding members of Temple Sinai (Sharon).

Roberta was devoted to her family and was well known for her speeches at family gatherings where she would express her love and gratitude. No family gathering happened without her famous half-moon cookies.

Roberta graduated from Bridgewater State College and received a Master of Education from Boston College. In addition to an accomplished career as a social studies teacher, she worked at Massachusetts Port Authority, and as a career counselor. Roberta was devoted to the Town of Brookline. Her work for Brookline included leadership roles at the Brookline Senior Center and Brookline Historical Society. As an avid reader she enjoyed serving as a Library Trustee, where she launched the Brookline Reads program.

Roberta emphasized physical wellbeing. She ran The Boston Marathon at the age of 56 and always enjoyed her daily walks where she would often run into neighbors and friends, watching for coins and including them in donations to charities.

Roberta loved to travel and explore new places. She shared the experience of travel with her grandchildren, taking each one on a trip to their destination of choice.

Shiva will take place at Jill & Bob's home on Monday from 7-8:30pm and Tuesday from 6:30-9pm.

Donations may be made to Friends of the Brookline Public Library or Brookline Senior Center.