Roberta "Bobbie" Ann Heller

Bobbie graduated high school from St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio in 1954 and then studied music therapy at Oberlin College. Bobbie married the love of her life, Howard J. Heller on September 3rd, 1960 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Lakewood, Ohio. Bobbie and Howard went on to have four children, raising them in Cleveland and Atlanta.

Bobbie was a devoted wife and mother, often managing the household and four children while Howard regularly traveled for work. She never missed an opportunity to support her children in whatever capacity she could — encouraging exploration and debate, and chauffeuring endless sports, dance, music, art, drama events and activities, all while never missing Sunday Mass. The Heller house was the preferred hang-out house in the neighborhood because she loved having all the kids playing baseball in the front yard, holding neighborhood shows and dance parties in the garage and basement, and hosting babysitting businesses, lemonade stands and lightening bug games.

When Bobbie wasn’t managing the household, the children and Howard, she was playing tennis and singing soprano in choirs at the Catholic parishes where she belonged, and the singing and performance groups local to her. Two of Bobbie’s favorite song-and dance organizations that she proudly belonged to were the North Olmsted Choralaires in Ohio, and later, the Villages Sweet Adelines in Florida.

Bobbie and Howard retired in the Villages, Florida, where they spent twenty-three happy years together before Howard passed away on March 22, 2022. Bobbie loved her time in the Villages, where she was avidly involved in singing, tennis, pickleball, jazz dance, and golf. When asked to describe an interesting fact about herself for the Villages newspaper, she said “I’m still 12 years old. I’ve never grown up.” Those that knew her would agree; Bobbie easily laughed and loved to find the humor in things. Her child-like spirit was warm and drew people to her. Bobbie’s animated smile and enthusiasm were contagious. Even through a long battle with dementia, Bobbie remained easy to engage and was welcoming to those around her. She was beloved by her family, friends, and those who helped so compassionately with her care at Berman Commons.

Bobbie is survived by her daughters, Colleen and Mary Beth; her son, Robert; seven granddaughters; seven grandsons; and two great-grandchildren. Bobbie was preceded in death by her son, Howard Joseph Heller Jr.; her husband, Howard J. Heller; her sister, Alice; and her parents, Robert Barber and Rose Agnes Barber.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 705 Spalding Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, on Friday, November 6, at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Bobbie’s life.