It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Loretta, nee Keeley, Roberts on June 7th at the age of 91.
Born in East St Louis, Illinois on December 19, 1933, Loretta was a woman of faith, creativity, and compassion. She graduated from St. Theresa’s Academy, Saint Louis University, and went on to complete her master’s degree in Speech Pathology.
But her greatest and proudest role was that of wife and mother. She married Gordon, the love of her life, and was married for 61 years. She raised seven children with love and compassion and welcomed family and friends with an open-door policy.
A gifted artist, Loretta found joy and meaning in expressing herself through her work. Her talent was recognized formally when she was awarded the prestigious Mayor’s Award at Belleville’s Art on the Square, a testament to her creative spirit and her ability to connect with others through visual beauty.
At home, Loretta was the heart and hands of the family. She was the “miss fix-it” of her family-the one who could fix anything, build something from nothing, and problem-solve with grace and grit.
Mom loved her high school girl friends and remained close with them to the very end. She was a wonderful listener and had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her loss is felt profoundly by all who had the privilege to call her a friend.
She is preceded in death by her:
- Beloved husband: Gordon Roberts
- Parents: Andrew and Catherine, nee Sullivan, Keeley
- Brother: Andrew Keeley, Jr.
- Sister: “Kitty” Gleeson
- Sons-in-law
- John “Fred” Betten
- James O’Reilly, Sr.
Surviving are her:
- Seven children
- Susan (Bob) McDonnell
- Gordon Roberts, Jr. (former wife Gretchen)
- Anne Betten
- Richard Roberts
- Peggy Roberts
- Janet (Antoine) Maron
- Stephen Roberts (Laurent Nouvion)
- Brother: Lawrence Keeley
- 13 grandchildren
- Dan (Amy) McDonnell
- Katie (Brian) Lee
- Colleen (Matthew) Schoenleber
- Taylor (fiancé Logan) Roberts
- Andrew Roberts
- Laura (Matthew) Young
- Elizabeth (Sean) Betten Miller
- John (Caroline) Betten
- James O’Reilly, Jr.
- Jade (fiancé Manraj) Maron
- Gabrielle Maron
- Constance Nouvion-Roberts
- Leonor Nouvion-Roberts
- 11 great-grandchildren
- Dear nieces and nephews
- Countless friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Benevolent Fund at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
Visitation: Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9:00 – 11:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 am, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL with Fr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Loretta lived her life with purpose, creativity, and love. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched, the art she created, and the family she raised with unwavering strength. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
