Roberta L. LaValley

GROTON – Roberta L. (Pillsbury) LaValley, 80, passed away peacefully after an unexpected illness on Tuesday, March 5, at Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Roberta was born in Gardner on April 1, 1943, the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Lord) Pillsbury. She was a 1961 graduate of Ashby High School where she excelled at mathematics, science and played for the high school basketball team. While raising her children, she began an in-home daycare for the neighborhood children; many of whom visited during her time in the hospital. Roberta worked closely with her husband to manage the family electrician business for many years. Roberta is survived by her husband of 51 years, John LaValley of Groton; her children, Daniel LaValley of Nashua NH, Donna Carkin of Townsend MA, William LaValley of Newark OH and Keith LaValley of Pocomoke City MD; daughters in law Cindy (Hahn) LaValley, Karen (Paul) LaValley and Janine (Doucette) LaValley; son-in-law Garry Carkin; Grandchildren Michael, Gregory and Ashley Carkin, Brittney and Justin LaValley, as well as Danielle and Zachary LaValley. Great grandchildren Henry and Anna Carkin. Roberta was a passionate gardener and spent many hours tending to the flower beds on the property as well as participating in gardening seminars with her daughter Donna. She explored Alaska, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Panama, England and various states with her husband on numerous cruises and road trips. She also had an adventurous side where she would partake in activities such as scuba diving and motorcycle riding. Roberta’s many summers were spent at her camp on Lake Watatic where many of the family’s favorite memories were made. Ceramics, painting, knitting and crafting were also past times Roberta enjoyed. Above all, family was most important to Roberta; she had an open-door policy at the house where many impromptu gatherings took place. She was predeceased by her father Robert Pillsbury and Dorothy (Lord) Pillsbury of Ashby MA. A private viewing hour was held on Thursday, March 7th from 11:30 am -12:30pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road in Ayer, MA.

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Roberta L. LaValley

April 1, 1943 - March 5, 2024