Helen A. Roberts

Helen Ann Roberts 93, passed away peacefully in her home on March 14th with family at her bedside. She was born in Crystal Falls, MI on June 24, 1923, one of identical twin daughters to George and Margaret Jolliffe. She spent her childhood there and Wakefield, MI where she graduated from high school. She and her twin sister loved the outdoors and enjoyed countless hours exploring, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and skating in the Upper Peninsula. Upon graduation from high school they both enrolled at Michigan State University. She earned a bachelor of science degree in medical technology and met the love of her life, Warren Roberts whom she married right after graduation. Soon after, they started their family and raised five children together. She enjoyed the challenges of her profession and worked in several hospital laboratories as the family moved fairly frequently for job changes and army service relocations. They eventually returned to the Upper Peninsula and settled here in Iron Mountain. She began working in the lab at Dickinson Memorial Hospital. During her fifteen years there, she was in charge of the lab services and was instrumental in early automation of many of the processes there as well as establishing the blood bank at the hospital. She left in the mid 70's to work with her husband in his private medical practice and eventually became the office manager when their son joined his father in practice. She continued working until she was 85 when her illness forced her to quit. Outside of work, her love of the outdoors continued. She and Warren enjoyed countless hours of tennis and golf, with the family and with each of their siblings for many years. She had a tireless enjoyment of learning and often took on challenges like piano or foreign language. She fearlessly took on the challenge of the computer age and accounting when she began managing the office practice for her husband. For relaxation, she took up nature photography and many of her photos are hanging in the homes of friends and family. Helen is survived by her five children, Gary (Wendy) Roberts of Iron Mountain, JoAnn (George) Dizikes of Western Springs, IL, Don (Chris) Roberts of Chelsea, MI, David (Amy) Roberts of Swampscott, MA and John (Teresa) Roberts of Hagerstown, MD as well as 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren; as well as her twin sister, Es Grill.In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in deah by her sisters, Jane Jolliffe, Marion Engle, Ruth Micheals and Pudge King. Private family services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Ties Adult Day Care Center at 800 Crystal Lake Blvd. Iron Mountain, MI 49801 Condolences to the family of Helen Roberts may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

Helen A. Roberts

June 24, 1923 - March 14, 2017