Roberta Hallett "Bobbie" Abbey

Roberta Hallett “Bobbie” Abbey, 84, of Mentor, passed away June 15, 2023, at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born April 30, 1939, in Lakewood, Ohio, to the late George Robert and Kathryn Van Horn Hallett. A graduate of James F. Rhodes High School, Bobbie earned her Bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Union College (now University) in 1961 where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She married her husband, Stuart, in 1967, moving to Mentor in 1970. They raised their two children in Mentor. She received a Master’s degree in education from Cleveland State University in the early 1980s. Bobbie was proud of her many decades as an educator beginning her career as an elementary school teacher in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst schools. She retired in 1999 after 37 years of teaching. While working for the Painesville Township School System, she led the successful effort to fund a computer lab and introduce computer classes at John R. Williams Junior High School. In her retirement, she shared her understanding of computers with the older adults she tutored through the Mayfield schools. A childhood violinist, she and her husband were longtime supporters of the Cleveland Orchestra and attended many concerts at Severance Hall. Bobbie enjoyed traveling with Stuart, her favorite destinations were Seattle, WA; Albuquerque, NM; the coast of Maine and Northern Europe. Throughout her life, Bobbie took pride in her exquisite needlework and knitting projects. She collected yarn and needlework patterns during her travels with Stuart, patterns from Scandinavia being a particular favorite. She and her husband were members of Temple Am Shalom in Mentor and the Creative Artists Association of Lake and Geauga Counties. She was proud of her campaign efforts for both of Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns. She loved a good Southern Comfort Manhattan (up), Lay’s Potato chips and Malley’s Chocolates. Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Stuart M. Abbey; children, Rachel (Anthony) Deen and Paul (Emily Cushman) Abbey; grandchildren, Joshua Deen and Oliver Abbey; brother, William (Donna) Hallett; many nieces, nephews and other loving family members. Preceding Bobbie in death was her sister, Ruth Nordlander-Edwards. Family services were private. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Bobbie to the Cleveland Orchestra 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106, the Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, or any charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Roberta Hallett "Bobbie" Abbey

April 30, 1939 - June 15, 2023