Gabrielle Roberts

SOMERVILLE – Gabrielle Roberts passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Dec. 9, 2025. She was 87 years young.

She was born in Windsor Mills, Quebec, Canada in 1938, the daughter of Ameta and Leo St. Laurent. Gabrielle, her five siblings, and her parents, immigrated to Auburn, when she was a child. She quickly learned English with the help of her teachers, especially her fourth-grade teacher, whose kindness she never forgot. Mom became a proud graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn.

Mom’s family operated the Hilltop Restaurant in Auburn, accommodating local millworkers during the manufacturing boom era. Mom inherited a strong work ethic from her parents. As a young woman, she worked in a local department store, where she developed her love of style and fashion. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald Roberts. Daughter Lynn, then younger daughter Tammy, were born soon after.

Mom’s joy was found in supporting her husband and children in all their various endeavors. She excelled at and loved being a mother and homemaker. Over the years, she was Dad’s partner in their media consulting business. She was also a “doggie grandmother/care provider” to Gismo and Rocco.

Her only grandchild, Johnathan, was the light and love of her life. When his son, Leo, was born in April of this year, she became a great-grandmother, further increasing her tremendous joy.

The name, Gabrielle, means “strong woman of God.” Known to many by her nickname, “Gaby”, she saw the good in people and rarely gossiped or complained. Her motto was “We do the best we can.”

Though Mom endured various health challenges and losses, she faced them all with grace and courage. Simple joys would fill her days, such as caring for flowers, listening to music, celebrating holidays (especially Christmas), wearing new “outfits”, going to weekly hair appointments, and socializing with her ladies’ group at “The Club” in Gardiner.

In her later years Mom was cared for and supported by Tammy and her “third daughter” Sue. The three shared many wonderful outings that made Mom’s final years memorable for everyone. Strangers who would see Mom in her community would often comment on how “sweet” she was.

Gabrielle leaves behind daughters Lynn (Art), Tammy, Sue (third daughter), grandson Johnathan (fiancé Cassie) and great-grandson Leo. Her loving presence will be missed by all.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of “The Club” Adult Day Memory Center in Gardiner for their kind and loving support, as well as the team of Angels from Beacon Hospice. Arrangements will be private. For friends who would like to remember Gaby, please perform a kind deed for someone when you can.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1 Church Street, Augusta, ME. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family by visiting the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website http://www.KHRFuneralHomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local school’s food backpack program.