Burnadette “Bunny” Roberts

Burnadette “Bunny” Roberts passed away on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 at the age of 96.  Bunny was born on October 5th, 1921 to Alfred and Clara Blesener.  Bunny grew up in Duluth, and at the age of 24 married Joe Roberts, who had been her sweetheart since the 8th grade.  Bunny and Joe were blessed with ten children. Joe (Sandy), Terry (Gail), Warren (Carolyn), Pat (Bob) Malkovich, Marv (Julie), Bill (Lori), Brian (Patty), Bernadette “Bernie” (Rich) Ozan, Kevin (Lori), and Nadine (Roger) Johnson.

The greatest joy in Bunny’s life was her family.  Sadly, she became a single parent in 1970 when Joe passed away much too soon.  With eight children still at home she confidently took her place as the head of her boisterous family and remained there until her death.  Her children were raised in a home where they saw one woman do it all.  Her sons and daughters learned that they were capable of doing anything they set their minds to.  With her guidance they grew to understand that life will most certainly knock you down at times and that when this happened you had no choice but to pick yourself back up.  Most importantly Bunny taught her children to hold on tight to each other, that family was everything, and to always “Count Your Blessings.”
Bunny had a full life.  She enjoyed working in the cafeteria at Duluth Central High School, where she made many dear friends.  She enjoyed her crafts and embroidery work and loved knitting in the shade at the cabin. Though her memory was fading and her thoughts were more confused, her kids could always count on the smile that would come across her face the minute she’d see them. Just as they knew she would ask “What’s your hurry?” when it was time to go.

Bunny will be remembered lovingly by those who called her Mom or Grandma, even if they weren't related. And by everyone else who knew her. Her children will go on knowing that she loved them beyond measure, and she will be missed forever.  If you knew her you were blessed.  If you didn’t know her, we wish you had.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph Roberts, sister Audrey McCormack, brothers Cyril Blesener and Donald “Jim” Blesener and her great-granddaughter Eden Rose Olson. Beside her ten children, she is also survived by her sister, Shirley Bryant; brother Raymond Blesener; 23 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Haven for treating Bunny like family and the staff of St. Luke’s hospital for keeping her comfortable in her last days.

VISITATION:  Monday, January 15, 2018 from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. John’s Catholic Church.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.