SOMERSWORTH, N.H. – Roberta J "Berty" Brunelle, age 83, of Somersworth, N.H. passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at her new home at Riverside Rest Home following a long illness.

She was born January 6, 1935, in Dover, N.H., the daughter of Leland and Rena (Jones) Knox. She was raised in Berwick, Maine, graduated from Berwick High School, and married the love of her life, Richard J. Brunelle in 1955.  They loved to dance and were known to spend many late nights at the local dance halls when they were young.  When Roberta could no longer dance, Richard would dance for her.  Their laughter and loving gazes at one another brought joy and warmth to those who were lucky enough to witness these events.  They were married for 61 years before he passed away in 2016.

In addition to her husband, Roberta was preceded in death by her beloved brother Creston Knox.  She always spoke fondly of her brother and her many memories of him growing up on the family farm.  She also adored his entire family.

Roberta worked for a short period of time at Eastern Air Devices in Dover, N.H. before becoming a mother.  While raising her children, she was a substitute teacher, was active in her church, and sold Avon.  After retirement, Roberta and Richard spent many winters in Cocoa Beach, Florida where they met many new special friends as part of the Cocoa Beach Club.  Roberta easily made friends and never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a special event.  Her thoughtfulness and ability to make everyone's lives brighter by simply always being there to listen, to deeply engage, and to empathize will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  Her happiest moments in life were those surrounded by her family, especially her six grandchildren and one great grandson.

Roberta is survived by her children, son Richard Jr. and his wife Erin, son Ronald, and daughter Rhonda Bisson and her husband Christian; grandchildren, Richard Brunelle III, Heidi Brunelle, Elizabeth Brunelle, Matthew Brunelle, Dylan Bisson, Jeremy Bisson; and great grandchild, Mason Bridge.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be on Wednesday, February 7, from 5 – 7 p.m., at Bernier Funeral Home, 49 South Street, Somersworth, N.H.  A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 8, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 404 High Street, Somersworth.  Please go to www.bernierfuneralhome.net to sign the on-line guest book. Care for the Brunelle family has been entrusted to the Bernier Funeral Home.