On June 18th 2022, after nearly 87 years of a life filled with joy, love and memories, our Lord called Roberta to be reunited with her beloved husband Leonard, her parents Connie and James Isabella, Her sister Constance Lynch, brother Vincent (Jim) Isabella and numerous aunts/uncles and cousins of the Pagano and Isabella families.
Roberta was born on July 15th 1935 and grew up in the Italian neighborhood of South Philadelphia. On her way home from school she stopped by Isgro's and Termini Brothers bakeries where she developed a taste for the fresh baked pastries/cannolis/cookies. She continued to enjoy these treats throughout her life.
After graduating from South Philadelphia High School for Girls, the family moved to Yeadon, Pa. It was here, while they were both walking their dogs, that she met the love of her life Leonard. They were married in September 1958, started a family and bought a house around the corner from her parents. In 1965, after a short move to Michigan, they bought their dream home in rural Malvern, Pa. Here, in an idyllic, close knit neighborhood with plenty of room for the boys to roam, is where Roberta and Len raised their family.
In the early 80's with the boys all in college, Len and Roberta moved to Springfield, Va. Roberta started a second career with GE as a receptionist at a government facility. Everybody who worked and visited the facility knew and loved Roberta and she won numerous contractor and government awards. It was also at this point when she and Leonard started to travel. Seeing the world, especially with the Pagano cousins created wonderful memories that she always treasured.
After Leonard’s passing in 2016, Roberta moved into her new apartment in the Greenspring retirement community where she enjoyed sitting on her patio admiring her garden flowers, birds and woodland views. She loved making new friends and was very grateful for the support and company they, along with her health aids provided over the last few years.
Fond memories of times spent with Roberta will be forever held in the hearts and minds of her three sons: Robert (Susan Bowman), Gregory (Nova Wallace), and Mark (Kathy Kailikole); Four Grandchildren, Vicki Basalyga (Michael), Steph Riley-Schafer (Rachel), Alex Schafer, Cole Schafer; one Great Granddaughter Charlotte Basalyga and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with her.
A memorial service and burial alongside Leonard at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made under Roberta's name to Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.
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