Maivel Abadilla Roberts passed away peacefully on January 8, 2019 in Saint Joseph’s at the age of 52 surrounded by her family. May was born June 4, 1966 in San Mariano Isabela, Philippines.

May came to America at the age of 13 years old and was raised by her Aunt and Uncle Vic and Edith Medina in Los Angeles, California. She joined the United States Navy in 1988 at the age of 22. May met her husband Charles Roberts in Bremerton Washington, who was on active duty in the Navy. They got married in 1991. Chuck’s grandparents Tom and Audrey Haygood traveled from Northern California in September of the same year to witness May receive her U.S citizenship, while Chuck was away at sea. A year later they moved to Honolulu Hawaii. Their son Thomas Roberts was born in Hawaii on May 29th, 1996. The couple spent four years in Hawaii then moved back to Bremerton Washington. They built their first home together in Bremerton in 1997.

Being a Navy wife, May was left home by herself to raise Thomas while Chuck was at sea. During these periods Chuck’s parents and grandparents often came to Washington to visit with May and Thomas. Thomas wanted a little sister, so Alexis was born December 27, 2001 while Dad was at sea. Grandmother Betty and Grandfather Edgar Roberts were there for Lexy’s birth.

May and her family moved to Fortuna after Chuck retired from the Navy in 2003. May and Chuck purchased an old home in Rohnerville that they have remodeled and have raised their kids in. May was a stay at home mom and devoted her life to raising her children. She volunteered at Ambrosini Elementary School, this schedule allowed her to be with her children after school. Once the children were old enough she began working at Toddy Thomas Middle School where she worked until she became sick.

May was one who liked to stay busy. During summer breaks she could be found working at South Fork Mountain Spring Water. She was proud of the work she performed at the water plant. May was always helping her numerous friends and neighbors with some chore or task. After school hours, May spent her time in her vegetable garden and greenhouse tending to her succulents. She enjoyed canning her homegrown vegetables and sharing them with her friends. She loved to go backpacking with her family and close friends. Her home is adorned with the arts and crafts she created. The kid’s sports teams always enjoyed May’s homemade cookies and snacks, at these events May could always be seen cheering on their team. At home May enjoyed cooking and always looked forward to Chucks fresh caught fish that she would whip into a meal. Mama May made our house a home.

There will be a Celebration of Mays life held on January 20 starting at 12:00 p.m. at the Monday Club in Fortuna. Speaking on her behalf will start at 2:00 p.m. All family and friends are welcomed to attend. Food and drinks will be provided.

Chuck, Thomas, and Lexy would like to thank Saint Joseph’s Hospital staff for their loving care in making May’s stay comfortable. We also want to thank our family and friends for supporting us during this difficult time. A special thanks to the school students and staff at Ambrosini, Toddy Thomas and Fortuna high school. You have shown such an outpouring of love; we have no words to describe our gratitude.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Maivel Roberts’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.