Frances (Frankie) Theresa Roberts (née Figura) of Tampa, Florida, passed away after a beautiful life on September 20, 2024, at the age of 94.  Her amazing spirit, positivity and kindness cannot be captured solely in words. Frankie, always young at heart, will be missed.

She was born on December 23, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mary Skorek Figura and Francis (Frank) Figura. She was the youngest of five sisters; her father realized he could not wait any longer for a son, so their final child was named after him. She was raised in Chicago in a Polish-speaking household and attended Catholic schools. She was the first in her family to graduate college, first attending St Mary's Nursing College in Rochester, Minnesota, part of the Mayo Clinic. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, she moved to Washington D.C. and then earned her bachelor's in nursing degree at Catholic University. As an RN, she obtained a job in public nursing serving in the poorest neighborhoods in Washington D.C. She and her roommates rented a lovely townhouse in Georgetown and took full advantage of being young single women in the thriving Capital of the 1950s.

She met her husband, Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Roberts, first in Chicago and then reconnected in Washington D.C. They married in 1957 and had many adventures during their nearly 63 years of marriage.  They settled in Fairfax, Virginia and proceeded to have five children in less than six years. But that did not slow her down. She was a fantastic mother to her five children, staying involved in their numerous activities all while often functioning as office manager at her husband's busy dental practice and hosting neighborhood parties.

After retirement, she and Jerry moved to Savannah, Georgia where she indulged in her passion for golf, bridge, reading and social events. They also continued to travel extensively to visit family, friends and foreign countries.  She gave much of her time to helping babies and children in the foster system both in Georgia and later in Florida. After 16 years in Savannah, they were ready for a new chapter and moved to beautiful Lake Jovita in Dade City, Florida where she resided for nearly 20 years. Her last year was spent at Arbor Terrace Independent Living in Tampa in order to be closer to her eldest daughter. She continued to stay active and sharp.

Everyone who met Frankie loved her infectious enthusiasm. She had the most optimistic outlook and was a heck of a lot of fun to be around. She attributed her longevity to her strong faith, equanimity, daily meditations, hot/cold showers and a glass or two of fine red wine.

Frankie is survived by her five children, Debra Bergeris, J.D. (KK) Roberts, Scott (Susie) Roberts, Robin (Tim) McCune and Donna Roberts and her nine grandchildren, Kyle Roberts, Declan Roberts, Griffin Roberts, Hannah (Troy) Lewis, Nathan Roberts, Noah Roberts, Clark (Rebecca) McCune, Caroline McCune, and Christopher Roberts.  She is also survived by four great granddaughters, Rachel, Lindsey, Erika and Juliana.  She was predeceased by her husband Jerry Roberts, her son-in-law George Bergeris, her first grandson Nash Roberts and her four sisters.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, October 18, 2024, at the Chapel of Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US-301 in Dade City from 4 pm to 6 pm.  A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday October 19, 2024, at the Epiphany of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2510 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33610. A burial will take place at St. Anthony's Cemetery in San Antonio following the Mass, 12234 Palm Street, San Antonio, FL 33576. And a Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held following the burial at The Club at Cheval from 2 pm to 5pm in the Sunset Room, 4312 Cheval Blvd, Lutz, FL 33558. Friends are welcome to attend any or all of these events.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Everyday Blessings at: www.everydayblessingsinc.org.