My sister, Roberta Staley, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023 with Emmy and me by her side. She was 69 years old. Nine years ago she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor and was given 18-24 months. She was a fighter and never gave up. Roberta was born in Arcata on October 7, 1954. She graduated from Eureka High in 1972.

Roberta worked for Louisiana Pacific for many years, where she met her good friend Carol Booth Sherbin. They had many crazy adventures together. Thank you, Carol, for traveling several times from Sacramento to spend precious time with her. Later on she decided to try being a waitress at various restaurants. The last place she worked was the Cookhouse, where she met her good friend Michelle Pando. They also had many crazy adventures together. Thank you, Michell,e for coming from Long Beach several times to be by her side. I also want to say thank you to her good friend since junior high Pam White for her many visits. You all made her feel loved and valued even when she wasn’t very nice to be around. You all know what I mean. Most of all thank you, Emmy, for being there from day one and to the very end. I couldn’t have done it all without you.

Roberta was one of a kind. Always up for an adventure and loved living life to the fullest. She could party all night and still get on her bicycle the next day and ride 60 miles in top form. She was especially proud of the fact that she was able to climb to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. She traveled to Italy several times to visit our relatives. Before her illness she loved hiking with her hiking group.

Roberta was preceded in death by our mom, Leda Rossi,  and her father, Theodore Fraga. She is survived by her sister, Teresa Eskra (Steve); sons Chris Staley (Shannon) and Joshua Staley; nephews Jason and Kevin Call; grandchildren Andra Staley, Brooke Staley, Joshua Staley, Emma Staley and Stevie Staley; great-niece Zoey Call and great nephew Christian Call; and lifelong friends Emmy, Pam, Carol and Michelle.

I also want to thank the wonderful staff at Redwood R&R for their compassionate care. I would also like to say thank you to Scotty, her hospice nurse for his kindness and professionalism. I will miss my sister even though she was a pain in the butt sometimes. I hope you are singing and dancing with all your buddies that went before you.

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