SOUTH HOPE — Roberta M. Staples, age 89, died peacefully, Monday, June 3, 2019.

Born in Rockland, to Gertrude (Johnston) Sylvester Davis and Edward Sylvester, Roberta married Arthur Staples in 1946 and together they raised four children.

In 1958, she joined the First National Bank of Rockland, which later became Maine National Bank, until she retired as a Loan Officer in 1982.

Roberta was fortunate to enjoy a long retirement during which she and her husband spent many winters in Florida where they formed enduring friendships with other retirees.

Her favorite pastimes were gardening, canning the produce from her garden, cuddling with the numerous cats who owned her over the years and spending time with her family. She had a knack for putting delicious meals together and one friend insisted her fish chowder was the absolute best.

She was cherished and loved by all and lived a long, happy life.

Roberta is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Arthur Staples; her daughter, Carol Staples of Thomaston; her son, Richard Staples and his wife Katharina of Rockland; her son, Bruce Staples and his wife Louise of Sydney; her daughter, Deborah Burns and her husband John of Camden; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a large, extended family.

Family and friends are invited to an informal gathering Wednesday, June 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A private burial will be held at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sussman House, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, Maine.

To share a memory or condolence with the Staples family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.