Obituaries

Nancy Louise (Selfe) Roberts

Jan 3rd, 2016

Nancy Louise (Selfe) Roberts
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Nancy Roberts, 72, of Harwich, passed away peacefully at home with her children gathered by her side on Sunday, January 3, 2016. She died from pancreatic cancer with loving support from Broad Reach Hospice more than two years after her initial diagnosis. She was a generous and loving woman who treasured her four daughters, ten grandchildren, and many, many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Nancy’s family at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, on Friday, January 15 between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 16 at the First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church, 1969 Main Street(Route 6A), Brewster. Burial will be private.
Nancy was a smart, wise, loving, understanding, and fun spirit. She had the uncanny ability to see and cherish the good in every person she met. She was a reliable leader and a compassionate and true friend. Nancy lived life fully, making each day count and leaving her little corner of this world a better place. Nancy’s love of the outdoors was manifested in her remarkable flower gardens and the amount of time she spent kayaking and swimming. Nancy created many treasured gifts over the years, even knitting afghans for each grandchild this Christmas. Nancy’s deep appreciation for theater and music has been passed on to her children and grandchildren, several of whom regularly perform in shows. She loved Cape Cod and frequently pointed out her special spots to friends and family. Nancy’s appreciation of fine art led her to visit art museums near and far. She enjoyed international travel and her favorite trip was to Saint Petersburg, Russia. She was an active and long-time member of First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church.
Nancy was born at Cape Cod Hospital to Bradford and Althea (Powell) Selfe. She was educated at Dennis-Yarmouth schools and earned both an associate’s degree from Cape Cod Community College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bridgewater State University. She was married to Herbert Roberts for 27 years and together they raised four daughters in Chatham. Much of her personal and professional work involved supporting children and families facing challenging times. She served as a foster parent for 25 teenagers and never hesitated to open her home and her heart. She worked at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Homeless Prevention Council.
Nancy is survived by daughter Robyn Quitmeyer of Marstons Mills with her husband Matthew Quitmeyer and their children Cullan, Braden, and Ashlyn; daughter Catherine Roberts of Jefferson with her husband John MacDonald and their children Ben and Jacob; daughter Rebecca Roberts of Limerick, PA with her husband James Johnson and their children Siena, Bristow, and Ali; and daughter Laura Cappello of Wellfleet with her husband Joseph Cappello and their children Clara and Justin. In addition, she is predeceased by her sister Lynne (Selfe) Albee and is survived by her brothers Don, David, and Richard Selfe.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Nancy’s name to the Brewster Meeting House Project (P.O. Box 713, Brewster MA 02631) or to Broach Reach Healthcare’s Hospice & Palliative Care program (390 Orleans Rd, North Chatham, MA 02650). Notes can be sent to the family at P.O Box 914, Wellfleet MA 02667.

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