Carey Cansler Roberts' Obituary
Carey Cansler Roberts, 80, passed away peacefully in the early hours of January 8, 2016, in the home she shared with her daughter’s family in Leesburg, Virginia. Author, psychotherapist and counselor, marketing executive and volunteer hospital chaplain, Carey lived a full and vibrant life. Her joy in life, her sparkle, her knowledge and her ability to listen caringly to others were gifts she gave freely, enriching the lives of family, friends and acquaintances.
She will continue to live on in the hearts of her four children, 11 grandchildren and new great grandchild, who will strive to uphold her high standards and exuberant love of life. For all her many achievements, she was most proud of being the mother of William Clifford Roberts of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Charles Stewart Roberts of Charleston, SC, Frances Roberts Willard of Leesburg, VA, and John David Roberts of Scotts Valley, CA. She cherished her close relationships with her daughters-in-law Vicki Roberts, Lydia Roberts and Kathy Roberts and her son-in-law Brian Willard and was devoted to her grandchildren: Trey, Amelia, Camille, Katy, Will, Carey Nicole, Brent, Liam, Chase, Shannon, and Lucas, and to her great grandson Behr.
Carey was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Charles and Frances Cansler and grew up in Decatur, Georgia, where she attended Agnes Scott College. She married William C. Roberts in 1955; they raised a large family together and travelled the world. Later in life, after many years as a stay-at-home mother in Potomac, Maryland, she earned her BA and BS degrees from Marymount University in Arlington, VA.
In her professional life, Carey served as Executive Director for the Montgomery County, Maryland’s 1976 Bicentennial Celebration, and as Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Bank of Bethesda and later Suburban Hospital. She left the business world to open a private practice as a psychologist and later volunteered as a non-denominational chaplain at Inova Loudoun Hospital. She also served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Grosvenor Park III Condominium and was a member of the National Press Club and organizations devoted to Death with Dignity, particularly Compassion & Choices.
Her novels include: Tidewater Dynasty: A Biographical Novel of the Lees of Stratford Hall (co-authored with Rebecca Seely), two mysteries, Pray God to Die and Touch a Cold Door, and Star-Spangled Sailors: A Novel of the Brave Watermen Defenders of the Chesapeake Bay in the War of 1812. Her screenplay Chesapeake Morning won the Grand Jury award at World-fest Charleston in 1996 and was the basis for Star-Spangled Sailors. Her numerous historical, travel and profile pieces appeared in national and local publications.
Throughout her long and varied life, Carey pursued her many interests and passions, including travel, books, drawing, portraiture, and art collecting. She treasured her many friendships, some of which dated back to early childhood. She always could be counted on as a source of wisdom, encouragement and laughter. Carey asked that we celebrate her life with lifted spirits and think upon her with a smile, not sorrow.
Her marriage ended in an amicable divorce after nearly forty years together. Her beloved partner for more than a decade, Robert Berberich of Bethesda, MD, died in 2001. She has enjoyed her close friendship with (“Jack”) John O’Connor of Leesburg, VA, in recent years. She is also survived by her brother Charles Cansler and his wife Sue of St. Simons, Georgia.
Carey’s family asks that In lieu of flowers, a donation be made to The Sophia Institute, 293 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC, 29401. The Sophia Institute is a center of learning that provides innovative programs that foster spiritual growth and mindfulness, for a more just, sustainable and flourishing world.
A celebration of Carey's life will be held on Saturday, March 5th, at 1 pm in the Terrace Ballroom at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, VA.
Please contact her daughter Frances at [email protected] with any questions.
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