Roberta Ann Segrist

Roberta Ann (Boice) Segrist was born June 3, 1946 at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange.  She entered Heaven on November 3, 2019 after an extended illness.  She is survived by Gene Segrist, her husband of 53 years, son David Segrist, daughter Lisa Angotti, sister Suzanne McCrory, brother Robert Boice, 5 grandchildren and many friends and relatives who loved her.  

Roberta grew up in small town Orange, attending the Center Street School, Cambridge Elementary, Yorba Junior High, Orange High School, Fullerton Junior College and Cal State, Fullerton.  She lived her entire life in Orange, except for a year while Gene was stationed near Washington D.C.

Roberta had many roles in life – including wife, mother, teacher, and friend.  Her lifelong passion was teaching small children, and she worked for over 40 years as a Sunday school and preschool teacher before retiring in 2004.  After she stopped teaching, she developed and delivered themed teacher development seminars at preschools in the area.

After retirement, Roberta’s new role became “Grandma.”  She always wanted to be a “Grandma,” modeling after her own Grandmother Daisy, who was so special to her.   Some of Roberta’s happiest times were while sitting on the floor playing with a small grandchild on her lap.  

As the grandchildren grew, she regularly played many games and led them in many activities.  Visitors to the home are often surprised that she has not one, but two “toy rooms” for the little ones who visit. 

She was able to keep a mental inventory of the pieces of all of her games and puzzles, and usually knew when something went missing, and could locate the missing item.  

Roberta loved travel, and she and Gene toured extensively, often with their travel trailer.  Some of the highlights of her travels were London and Paris, Hawaii, the Alaska Highway to Fairbanks, Washington D.C. with the children, the total solar eclipse, and the Northeast in October with the fall colors. 

Roberta’s life touched many people.  She felt it was a great honor and privilege to be able to teach and encourage young minds.

She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother.  She loved the Lord.  She loved her home and garden and flowers.  And we, her family, loved having her.  

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donating to the church preschool of your choice.

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