1929-2026
Margaret Jean Roberts, 96, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 6, 1929, in Iselin, Pennsylvania, Jean was the daughter of Archie Pride and Betty Patterson Pride.
Jean graduated from Elders Ridge High School and later worked in the business office of National Mine Service in Indiana, Pennsylvania. In January 1954, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” Roberts Sr. Together, they built a life in Punxsutawney, where they raised six children and became deeply involved in their church and community.
Jean was a devoted member of SS. Cosmas and Damian Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and belonged to the Rosary Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. For many years, she coordinated the church's funeral luncheons. She and her dedicated group of volunteers were affectionately known as “The Goodbye Girls.”Inspired in part by the birth of her daughter, Jennifer, Jean devoted much of her life to serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. She was a longtime board member and treasurer of The ARC of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties. She was also among the dedicated volunteers who helped establish and grow Camp Friendship. Jean and Bill were involved from the beginning of the Run or Walk for Someone Special, which was founded 47 years ago and continues to provide funding for the camp.
Jean’s extraordinary commitment to faith, family, and service earned her many honors. She was named Punxsutawney Woman of the Year in 1985 and received the Catholic Charities Caritas Award in 2006 in recognition of her lifetime of charitable work and service.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bill; and her brothers, Bill Pride and his wife, Ange; Don Pride and his wife, Joann; and James Pride and his wife, Marilyn.
Jean is survived by her children, Bill and his wife, Katie; Jim and his wife, Mary; Joe and his wife, Katy; Betty Lanza and her husband, Paul; Lori Marra and her husband, Mike; and Jennifer. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jean’s caregivers, whom we affectionately called our “angels here on earth.”
Family and friends are invited to gather at SS. Cosmas and Damian Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Punxsutawney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The ARC of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties or to SS. Cosmas and Damian Church.
The family takes comfort in knowing that after a life devoted to God, family, and service to others, Jean’s final words were simple and beautiful: “I’m so happy.”
