Roberta (Higbee) Willard

Roberta "Bobbie" Williard, 80, a longtime elementary school teacher in Stoughton, died Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Beaumont Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in Northbridge. She was the wife of the late Philip J. Willard. Born and raised in Cambridge, she was a graduate of St. Peter's School, Matignon High School, Class of 1955 and Boston College, Class of 1959. She also earned her Master's Degree from Cambridge College. Mrs. Willard was a resident of Brockton since 1970. She worked as a Second Grade Teacher at the West Elementary School in Stoughton for over 37 years, before retiring. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, studying genealogy and traveling. She cherished her memories of her trips to Aruba and traveling to the Holy Land. She was a member of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the New England Historical Society, the Irish Ancestral Society and the South Shore Genealogical Society. She was very active with PIETA, a support group for parents who have lost children.

Mrs. Willard was predeceased by her three beloved children: Philip J. Willard, Jr., Judith A. Willard and James M. Willard. She was the sister of Thomas Higbee and his wife Doris of Milford, Ellen M. Dupuis of Watertown, Anna Hall of Hingham and the late Frances I. Higbee and John F. "Jack" Higbee. She is survived by her niece Maureen Higbee her nephews Thomas J Higbee Esq., Derek J Higbee and several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St., (Rt. 27) Stoughton on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 439 West St., Brockton at 10 AM. Visiting Hours Tuesday from 4-7 PM. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Donations in Roberta's memory may be made to PIETA, c/o Barbara Waters, 66 Enoch Pond Ln, Wrentham, 02093.