S
andra B. Roberts, a resident of Wellesley, passed away peacefully on June 16th at the age of 86. Born Sandra Louise Brown in Boston on May 26th, 1939, she was the only child of Frederick Brown, a musician and band leader, and Christine Peyton, a pioneering realtor. Sandy grew up in Watertown, Massachusetts, where she excelled as a cheerleader and member of the school's theater, glee clubs, and chorus at Watertown High School.
Sandy's musical talents led her to study piano at Boston University before transferring to Boston College, where she met Joe Roberts, a Korean War veteran and fellow education major. They began dating soon after meeting and were married in 1962. Sandy encouraged Joe to pursue a career in finance, which he did by founding Roberts Financial. She followed her mother's footsteps into real estate, eventually partnering with Joe to buy properties in Wellesley and Cape Cod.
The couple raised three children: Christine, a partner at Mullen & Henzell; Joe Jr., managing partner of Roberts Financial; and Paul, a cybersecurity journalist and activist. Sandy's permissive parenting style allowed her children to explore and discover themselves, creating lifelong memories and friendships. After their divorce in the 1980s, Sandy returned to school and earned her B.A. in Education from Boston College.
Sandy expanded her real estate work with Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, successfully brokering leases for major companies. She was also a dedicated member of the Boston Tea Party Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as regent and leading a campaign to restore Fort Washington in Cambridge. Sandy loved to travel and enjoyed family routines, dining, and socials at local establishments like The Maugus Cafe.
Sandra is survived by her ex-husband Joe Sr., their three children, six grandchildren, and two great-granddogs. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on August 2nd at St. Paul's Church in Wellesley, with interment to follow privately. Donations can be made to Community Investors, the Wellesley Food Pantry, or the Daughters of the American Revolution.
