Roberta Marean Small

Roberta was born in Portland, Maine on September 24, 1957, the daughter of devoted parents Robert and Donna Marean. She lived most of her adult life in Portland and South Portland, Maine, raising her 3 children with her husband, Stephen (with a ph) Small, whom she married in 1981.

Roberta was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom to her children in their younger years, followed by dedicating most of her working life to other children in the South Portland school department. She was passionate about and genuinely loved her years working at Brown Elementary School. Once established in Florida, Roberta continued helping children by becoming a volunteer with the Guardian ad Litem program. She provided a voice, love, and support for some of Florida’s abused, neglected, and abandoned children.

Stephen and Roberta had talked about retiring in Florida in their later years. After the passing of both her husband and her mother within a year of each other, Roberta and her daughter, Erica moved to Florida to be closer to her oldest son, Andrew and first born granddaughter, Joey. It took courage and a leap of faith to move somewhere brand new in her late 50s, but Roberta was a badass and “hearty Maine stock”, so it wasn’t difficult for her to find a new community of best friends. She quickly and happily adapted to the change of pace and lifestyle Florida brought, while always talking about and missing Maine as well.

Roberta was a real socialite, a present and kind volunteer with Guardian ad Litem, a frequent flyer at live music, and never turned away from a conversation (with anyone), especially if it was about Maine, Bruce Springsteen, her family, or her dogs. She had a zest for life, looked radiant daily (especially in gym clothes and lipstick), was a loyal and devoted friend to so many, and a loving partner. Most of all, she was the best, most patient, and fiercely loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren.

Her authentic nature, spice for life, and overall glowing presence will be missed by so many. A true lover of life, always making the most of what life brings, and always with a (lipsticked) smile. Roberta’s open heart and welcoming nature never went unnoticed. In addition to her 3 children, many of their friends considered her a second mother to them growing up and into adulthood. She was present at all sports, her door was always open, and she was never too busy for a chat with all of her children’s friends around the kitchen table. There are stories and memories that can fill a lifetime, and she will be affectionately remembered.

Roberta was predeceased by her parents, her husband Stephen, her grandson Lucca, and her dog Puggie. She is survived by her 3 children, Andrew Robert, Christopher Stephen, and Erica Marean; her beautiful granddaughters, Joanna Grace (Joey) and Reagan Brooklyn; her two brothers Dan Marean and his wife Michelle and James Marean and his wife Sheryl; nieces and nephews; countless friends; and her best friend of the furry bunch, Gamp (appropriately named after her father).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on September 7, 2024 from 3:00-7:00PM. It will be held at the Ship Cove Platform.

A second Celebration of Life (she deserves two) will be held in Pinellas County, Florida later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roberta’s name to: The Guardian ad Litem program - https://herotoachild.org/

or

Suncoast Animal League- https://www.suncoastanimalleague.org/donate