Roberta L. Mann

Roberta Linda (Freeman) Mann, age 64, of Norton, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, after a short battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on November 17, 1945, Bobbi was the youngest of William H. Freeman and Annie Wihanto Freeman's five children, and she grew up in Stoughton, MA. She was sister to William Freeman, Anna May (Freeman) Moss, James Freeman, and Richard Freeman. In 1964 she married Wayne E. Mann of Stoughton, her loving husband of 46 years. Bobbi was educated in Stoughton schools, and as a result of much hard work she and close friend Rosemary Strickler earned their GED certificates together in 1980. Bobbi went on to further her education and take classes at Fisher Community College, other local community colleges, and online. The subjects were as varied as her interests, including law/paralegal, web page design, pottery making, and numerous art classes.
In addition to being a homemaker, she was a long time employee of Liberty Mutual Insurance Co in Stoughton, where she started as a records clerk, and worked her way up to legal secretary. She continued pursue her interest in law working for attorney Jack Reardon in Brockton. Bobbi tirelessly cared for her elderly mother Annie for many years, which allowed her Mom to live independently into her 90's when she entered a nursing home. Bobbi helped watch all of her grandchildren when they were very young. She was a proud, loving grandmother and lit up when she saw her grandchildren.
Bobbi was a 38 year resident of Norton, but grew up in Stoughton, where she was a member of the First Methodist Church, and where she and Wayne were married. She had a strong belief in God, and passed her beliefs on to her children.
Bobbi enjoyed camping with family & friends. Her favorite camping spots were Sun River in NH, Shawme Crowell State Park, and Nickerson State Park in Cape Cod. Bobbi & Wayne longed to escape the harsh New England winters, and always wanted to head south for the winter. Last winter they got their wish, they spent the winter in Florida, which experienced its coldest winter in decades, but fortunately no snow! She was a dog lover, especially German Shepherds and Great Danes.
Bobbi was a talented artist, painting in acrylics and watercolors. She helped organize an exhibit at the Stoughton Public Library in 2008 where 4 generations of the extended Wihanto family exhibited their artwork and handicrafts. She enjoyed arts & crafts, pottery, sewing, and anything else that allowed her to express her creativity. She also enjoyed being connected to her family & friends through her computer. She enjoyed playing online games. It allowed her to keep in touch, and brighten the day of others with her emails. She was a prolific e-mailer and sent many a funny joke, and many a political email which let you know where she stood on a particular topic.
Bobbi is survived by her husband Wayne E. Mann, daughter Lorrie Lee (Mann) Geary of Randolph, MA, daughter Dayle Theresa (Mann) Carroll of Norton, MA, their spouses Thomas Geary III, Laurence Carroll III. She is survived by her 5 grandchildren Benjamin Thomas Geary, Alexander Thomas Geary, Chloe Paige Geary, Austin James Carroll, and Ryan Andrew Carroll. She is survived by her brother William Freeman of Virginia, and her sister Anna May (Freeman) Moss of Utah. She is also survived by a large extended family and close friends.
Bobbi is predeceased by her Father, William H. Freeman (1976), Mother Annie (Wihanto) Freeman (2004), brother Richard Freeman (1978), and brother James W. Freeman (2003).
Funeral service will be held in the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Monday, October 4 at 11 AM. Visiting Hours Sunday from 3-6 PM. Burial will be private.
Donations in Roberta's name may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or to CaringBridge, Donation Processing, 1715 Yankee Doodle Road, Suite 301, Eagan, MN 55121.

We would like to send our heartfelt thanks to her doctors, visiting nurses, home health providers, friends and family that have cared for her during her illness.
A favorite email from her: 'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - diet coke in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'. She lived life to the fullest, always eager to learn something new and to stand up for what she believed in. Words to live by.