Roberta Delaney, 86, of Salem, Massachusetts parted this life suddenly at home on February 26, 2022. She was born in Springfield, MA on February 21, 1936 to the late Harley and Mary Shastany. Roberta spent the first part of her life living in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield. She spent some years in Florida before moving to Salem, MA where she enjoyed the last 25 years of her life. She was a graduate of Commerce High School in Springfield, MA. Professionally, she worked at the former Steiger's Department Store Professional Office and then Shawmut Bank in Springfield. She was also the Social Secretary at both La Gorce and Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach, Florida for many years.

Roberta met the love of her life, John Delaney, in Indian Orchard, MA. Roberta spotted him as he walked past her house each day on his way home from work. The two fell in love and were married in 1956. Roberta & John Delaney settled in Indian Orchard and built a life of love and happiness. Roberta became a great mom to three children and loved being a mother and housewife. On August 7th 1968 her husband John died suddenly at age 37 leaving her to raise three kids under the age of eleven. Her spirit and love for family kept her going strong. Roberta made it her life's mission to make sure her kids were healthy and happy.

Roberta had an independent spirit and it showed. She did not hold any punches and would tell everyone what was on her mind. She was loved for her fiery spirit and her ability to make everyone laugh. She was a wonderful hostess in her home. She was an amazing cook and her dinners and deserts were legendary. She loved hosting parties and holidays in her home and counted down the days till the next holiday so she could be surrounded by her family and loved ones. Roberta loved when the Ride-to-Remember - North Shore Ride that took place each year in August would pass by her home. The 80 mile bicycle ride supporting fallen Police Officers in Massachusetts rode along the North Shore and had designated Roberta's house as the first "rest stop." She welcomed hundreds of bicycle riders into her home for a bathroom break, food, water and most important good conversations. The night before the ride she would make hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the participants.

Some of Roberta's greatest joys in life while living her retirement years on Ocean Avenue in Salem were taking long walks with her dog Kelly through Forest River Park. She really loved her neighborhood, sitting on her front porch "keeping an eye" on all her neighbors and looking out at the ocean. She absolutely loved engaging with all the people in her neighborhood and with tourists and passersby. She loved reading books, making puzzles and cooking.

She had an engaging and clever sense of humor. Roberta loved to make people laugh and absolutely loved laughing along with them. She loved the companionship of many friends throughout her life. Roberta was always a loyal friend to many and talked often about her childhood relationships and those forged in her later life. She enjoyed decades of fun and memories with her family and friends in Springfield, Florida, and finally Salem, MA.

Roberta was predeceased by her beloved husband, John M. Delaney in 1968 as well as her brother Robert Shastany. She is survived by her three children: Denise Delaney of Salem, MA; Marc V. Delaney of Salem, MA; John Delaney and his wife Gabriela of Springfield, MA. Her grandchildren: Kaitlyn Donah and her husband Neil Donah of Springfield, MA; Molly Delaney-Hager and her husband Marine Staff Sergeant Peter Hager of Oahu, Hawaii; Bridget Delaney of Springfield, MA.; John (Jack) Delaney,16 of Springfield; her adopted grandchild Jade Mengyue Delaney of Salem; and her treasured great-grandchild Oliver John Donah.

A memorial service and visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street, Salem, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Ride-to-Remember, 1500 Main Street, P.O. Box 15265, Springfield, MA 01115-5265 or to a charity of one's choice. For more details and to leave her family condolence messages, please visit: www.murphyfuneralhome.com or call 978-744-0497.