Roberta Ann Duncanson

Born on April 22, 1938, in Pekin IL, Roberta was the eldest of three children born to Robert and Anna Hall. In 1950, the Hall family relocated to Riverside, where Roberta continued on her educational journey, attending Chemawa Middle School, followed by Poly High School, from which she graduated in 1956.

Roberta's pursuit of higher education led her to become one of the “Pioneer” students at the newly established University of California Riverside (UCR). As a resident of the University’s Canyon Crest housing, she embraced the vibrant campus life and made lasting connections. It was during her sophomore year that she met Bob, her soulmate and future husband, at a campus party. Their instant connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

Combining her love for Social Sciences and Humanities, Roberta pursued a major that allowed her to simultaneously earn her California teaching credential and her BA. After graduating in 1960, she and Bob were married, and their first summer together was spent in the old family cabin in Crestline.

In the Fall, they moved to the Los Angeles area, where Roberta commenced her career as a teacher. For the next seven years, she taught kindergarten and 1st grade in Inglewood, while supporting Bob as he attended the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his Pediatric residency. During this period, Roberta and Bob were blessed with the arrival of two sons, Ronald in 1961, and Roger in 1965.

Roberta’s unwavering commitment to her family led her to serve as the Director of the Pre-School at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, from 1967 to 1969, while Bob served in the Air Force. In 1969 the family returned to Riverside, where Bob joined the Pediatric Medical Group of Riverside and Roberta dedicated her talents to the Riverside Unified School District as a substitute elementary school teacher, until the birth of their third child, Raymond, in 1976.

From that point forward, Roberta became a devoted stay-at-home mom, nurturing her children and creating a loving and supportive home environment. She excelled in her roles as homemaker, gardener, and active participant in the Junior League. As her grandchildren started to arrive in the Bay Area, she eagerly looked forward to spending time with them while Ron and Sandra were traveling.

Throughout her life, Roberta found joy in various pursuits. When not tending her garden, she could be found creating needlepoint pictures, or playing bridge with friends. She also enjoyed group cruises and ski trips. At the age of 50, Roberta began playing golf – and loved it. She usually played 18 holes twice a week at the Victoria Club, until 2020.

Roberta is survived by her husband, Bob, their three sons, Ronald, Roger, and Raymond, daughters-in-law Sandra and Aurélie, five grandchildren, Austin, Melissa, Megan, Aiden, and Anna, two great-grandsons, Gavin and Dexter, in addition to her sister Sharon Davis and niece Victoria Hall.

Roberta Ann Duncanson will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community she touched. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she influenced, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared. May her gentle spirit find eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter

3415 S Sepulveda Blvd #500, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Victoria Avenue Forever

P.O. Box 4152, Riverside, CA 92514

UCR Botanic Gardens

UCR Foundation / Botanic Gardens, P.O. Box 5068, Riverside, CA 92517-5068