Roberta E. (Kalilainen) Zilembo

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother and Nana, Roberta "Rose" Elaine (Kalilainen)  Zilembo of Sudbury, Massachusetts, who passed away peacefully at her home in Edgewater, Florida, on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 73.

Roberta was a woman of deep love, boundless kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. She touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and selfless love.

Roberta was the heart and soul of her family, a source of strength, joy, and wisdom. She lived a life of quiet grace, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her warmth and gentle spirit made everyone feel seen, heard, and deeply valued.

As a mother, Roberta embodied unconditional love and nurturing care. She raised her two daughters with kindness, patience, and resilience, offering them unwavering support and guidance. She had an incredible ability to listen without judgment, provide wisdom without hesitation, and love without limits. Roberta's greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild grow and flourish.

To her grandchildren, she was more than a grandmother, she was their cherished Nana, their confidante, their greatest cheerleader. Her embrace brought comfort, her laughter spread joy, and her wisdom served as a guiding light. She is survived by her loving daughters, Heather Ryan and her husband, Steven, and Bridgett Paglia and her husband, Christopher. She also leaves behind her beloved grandson, Eyan; cherished granddaughter, Kami Scott; and treasured great-grandson, Bensen. Roberta’s love and legacy will live on through them, woven into the fabric of their lives.

Roberta is now reunited with her beloved husband, Nicholas Zilembo, who predeceased her on June 14, 2015. Together, they shared 11 wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Their bond was one of true partnerships, and their love remains an inspiration for generations to come.

Throughout her life, Roberta found joy in life’s simplest pleasures—playing the piano, gardening, shopping, and especially basking in the warmth of the sun. Her home was always filled with love, the aroma of Sunday dinners, and the joyful laughter of family gatherings.

Whether it was spending a day at the beach with her carefully pre-packed snacks or stopping for a lobster roll, she found happiness in life’s little special moments.

Beyond her family, Roberta touched the lives of many dear friends and neighbors, each of whom will forever remember her kindness, generosity, and the way she made everyone feel at home. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but the love she shared will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Noon in the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, 95 W. Main St., Marlborough, MA. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough.

Visitation will take place prior to her Service from 10-Noon also in the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Roberta’s name to the American Cancer Society, a cause that was close to her heart.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing that Nana’s love will always be with us. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with her and will carry her in our hearts always.

Rest in peace, Nana. We love you.

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