Dorothea H. Roberts, born May 9, 1930, died in her home on Whidbey Island on Dec. 18, 2010.

Dorothea is survived by Frank Roberts, her husband of 59 years. She was the proud mother of Suzanne, Beth, Juliana and Victoria and the loving grandmother of Noelle, Kathryn, Teresa, Michael, Steven and Rocco.

Dorothea was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to the Seattle area in 1958. She was a teacher, a school administrator and the co-founder of Mercer Island’s Alternative High School. She had two Master’s Degrees from Seattle University.

Dottie retired on Whidbey Island in 1990 and became a member of the Whidbey Island unit of the Ryther Child Center League. She was a founding member of the Whidbey Island branch of the American Association of University Women. She worked at Whidbey General Hospital as a Floor Volunteer and used her talents decorating and buying for the gift shop.

Dorothea loved her family, friends, her life, her travels to 49 countries and her pictures. She put the “Joie” in “Joie de Vivre.”

Remembrances may be made to Senior Services of Island County. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel where friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest book and leave memories for the family.