Obituary of Myrna Lena Amelia ROBERTS

ROBERTS, Myrna Lena (nee Saunders)

May 17, 1940 - June 26, 2023

On Monday June 26, 2023 we lost a wonderful soul. Myrna passed away at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket on her 84th trip around the sun after a well fought battle with heart disease. 

Myrna was partner in crime of the late-great Charlie Schneider. She was the beloved mama and step-mama of Dawn Brigman (Darren) of Georgia, Melissa Roberts (Donny) of Orangeville, Jacquie Allen (Os) of Shelburne, Angie Schneider of Milverton and Chris Schneider (Melissa) of Singhampton. She was also surrogate mom to a surprising number of ex-sons and daughters-in-law, and we can’t forget Louie the dog.

Myrna (the original Gaga) was the best of grannies to Christy (CJ), Jesse, Cassidy, Tori, Brady, Christine, Jennifer, Dan, Sarah, Quinten, Alex and Easton. She loved the crazy antics of her great-grandchildren Jake, Josie and Brody. They easily had her blasting her contagious laugh.

The Saunders clan is a tight one. Myrna was the first-born child of her late mom and dad, Isabelle and Russell Saunders. This made her the oldest and bossiest sister to Maurice (Joyce), Betty (Bruce), Hazel, John (Valerie) and Jack (Cindy). Myrna will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and their children.

Myrna served her community well. She began her career as a teacher before finally retiring from the Orangeville Police Service. She was Executive Assistant to three different chiefs of police. From the stories we’ve heard, it’s clear that she sometimes ran the place. She was a force to be reckoned with; highly intelligent, strongly opinionated, and self-assured. She served on the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, on Town Council in Grand Valley, volunteered at the Grand Valley Library, Food Bank, and was a founding member of the Riverbend Artists organization. 

When she lost her hubby Charles in 2018, Myrna bravely took her grief and channeled it into building her dream home on their farm property in East Garafraxa. She marveled at the changing of the seasons, the weather, and the birds. She loved getting dirty in her vegetable and flower gardens. Myrna took great joy when her clan visited her there, puttering on the property, camping, or enjoying a fire together. 

From the outpouring of love sent by her friends and neighbours, it is clear that Myrna touched many lives. She was so easy to love. Her family came first. She had a quick wit and loved to share stories. She was always eager to listen, share and support those around her. She delighted in posting lame puns on Facebook, loved playing cards and word games with her many friends online.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Grand Valley Food Bank located at 17 King Street, Grand Valley, ON, or the OSPCA.

To Donate to the Grand Valley Food Bank, please make cheques out to Dufferin Food Share and in the Memo please put Grand Valley Food Bank. Mail to Dufferin Food Share P.O Box 737 Grand Valley, ON L9W 7G1.

To donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the OSPCA, please click the link to the left side of the page.

We hope you can join us for a come and go celebration of Myrna’s life at In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. located at 28 Main Street North in Grand Valley, ON, on August 19, 2023, between 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm.

Online condolences can be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to care for the Roberts family.