Sister Roberta Smith, O.S.B., 1902-1990

Sister Roberta Smith, 87, of St. Mary Priory, Nauvoo, Illinois, died April 13, 1990 at the Priory.  Born November 26, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the fifth child of George and Mary Dolan Smith.

She was a resident of St. Mary Priory.  She entered St. Mary’s October 18, 1918, pronouncing her final vows August 23, 1923.  She celebrated her diamond anniversary in vows in 1979.

Sister Roberta attended elementary and secondary schools in Cleveland, Ohio.  She graduated from St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa with a B.A. in Education.

She taught in many schools in the Peoria Diocese: St. Anthony, Atkinson; St. John, Bradford; St. John, Clinton; St. Joseph, Ivesdale; St. Roch, LaSalle; St. Mary Moline; Immaculate Conception, Monmouth; and St. Boniface and Holy Family in Peoria.

Surviving are her Benedictine community and three nieces.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 16 at the Priory Chapel, Nauvoo, Illinois with Rev. Paul Showalter officiating.  She will be buried in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Nauvoo.