Jacqui Roberts

Jacqui Roberts passed away peacefully Monday August 27, 2018 attended by family. She was born in Chicago, Illinois where she spent her grade school years before the family relocated to Crescent City, Florida. The family built their home adjacent to Lake Crescent allowing her to roam the lake in her boat and swim in the area lakes and springs. This experience cemented her interest in wildlife, the outdoors and an eco-friendly environment. She graduated from Crescent City High School and was active as a cheerleader. While attending St. Johns River Junior College she met her future husband, Dale Roberts. They married September 16, 1967 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida before relocating to New Orleans, Louisiana. Her son Jeremy was born at a local hospital on the banks of the Mississippi River. The family then settled in Gainesville where she entered employment with University of Florida and spent most of her career as an administrative assistant and office manager for the Vice President of Administrative Affairs. Her recreational interests were camping, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. She explored the lakes, rivers and high altitude trails in the Smokies, the Rockies and the Cascades Mountains. She fell in love with Jackson Hole, Seattle, Friday Harbor and Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands and was fortunate to return many times over the years. She retired from the University of Florida after 32 years of service and used her qualification as a Master Gardner to volunteer at Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings historic farm where she planned and maintained the garden for ten years. She felt a strong kinship to Rawlings history, the farm and developed close relationships with the staff and volunteers. Jacqui spent most of her retirement years shifting between her Carolina cottage outside of Gainesville and her condo in St. Augustine. We will forever see her sitting and reading in her rocker on the veranda on the farm or while in St Augustine walking the Bridge of Lions, on the beach or exploring the old town. She adored her son, Jeremy Roberts who distinguished himself as an Army Ranger before dedicating himself to a nursing career working with veterans. She and Dale Roberts, her husband, best friend and life partner celebrated their 50-year anniversary last year. Jacqui enjoyed life, her family and those around her and will always be remembered for her kindness and her bright and easy smile. Forever in our memory - We love you.