Roberta Perkins

Roberta Perkins, 75, of Chicopee, MA passed away and gained her wings on Thursday June 4, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center.  She was born in Springfield, MA on October 10, 1944 to the late Franklin E. Perkins, Jr. and Annie M. Motely.  Roberta was predeceased by her son, Wayne Anthony Perkins; sister Elaine M. Manuel, and nephew, James F. Manuel III. 

Roberta was an active participant of the old Springfield Girls’ Club until graduating from the High School of Commerce.  After graduating high school, she attended Nursing school where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1963.  Later, she attended the American Institute of Banking where she received a Certificate and worked at the Old Colony Bank (Bank of Boston) in Springfield MA. as an assistant manager in 1974.   She became a customer service representative, in 1983, at the Rudco Check Printers in Holyoke, MA.  Later, in 1984, she worked at Park West Bank, West Springfield, MA as an insurance clerk and teller.  Then, in 1987, she worked at Kamberg, Berman and Gold P.C. in Springfield, MA. as a payment monitor and records clerk in the collections department. Lastly, in 1993, she worked for the Center for Human Development and the Behavioral Health Network where she worked as a billing representative until retirement. 

In 1984, Roberta became a member of the SGI Nichiren Buddhist World Peace Organization.  She was a group leader in the Springfield-Chicopee area.  Then she severed as a district leader for more than 30 years. For decades, she opened her home for meetings.  She was a devout Buddhist who accepted and embraced people with a heart of compassion.  Roberta embodied humanism.  She loved and honored people.  She was a treasure.  The memory of her spurs us on today for all that she taught us about being a true human being.  Roberta will be remembered for her encouragement, love, and support that she shared with others.  She will be missed as she moves toward her next journey of peace and enlightenment.

Her famous saying: “Maybe in my next life.”      

Roberta enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, and watching The Golden Girls.  In her spare time, she loved visiting secondhand boutiques.

To cherish her memories, she leaves a niece Renee Manuel; a nephew Juan F. Manuel; two aunts Vera Worthy and Rose Scott all of Springfield, MA; a host of cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and many, many friends.   There will be a brief memorial service at Harrell Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 24,2020 at 11:00am.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta Perkins, please visit our floral store.