Myra L. Roberts

SANFORD -- Myra Lillian Sawyer Roberts, 95, of Sanford, Hall of Fame Athlete Class of 1937, Boston University died at peace November 23, 2010. She was born in Wilton, Maine, on May 28, 1915. Growing up on Bass Hill, she was the daughter of Earl and Edith (Merrill) Sawyer and the wife of the late John B. Roberts, Esq. Bowdoin College, Class of 1936.By all accounts, Myra was one of the most gifted athletes ever to come out of Wilton Academy and four years later at Boston University. Sponsored by her longtime friend and classmate, Mary Bauer, a nationally acclaimed tennis coach for many years at Situate High School, Myra was inducted into BU's Hall of Fame in 1994. A physical education major at Sargent College/BU, Myra excelled in 9 sports. Extraordinarily fleet of foot, she was referred to as "Speed" by her classmates. She was cited in her college yearbook as "speed personified, an athlete if ever there was one, energetically intense, a blend of courage, vitality, and deep reflection." There were those however who recognized her speed before her college career. Her high school yearbook noted that her speed was unlike what anyone had ever seen in the history of Franklin County. "Speed "or "Speedy" as her college mates affectionately called her became her lifetime signature. Her college classmates recognized her as an exceptional swimmer and field hockey player. Upon graduation in 1937, she became a standout member of the Boston Field Hockey Association where she competed against a number of local club teams and groups. She tried out for, and was later chosen to play for the Northeast entrant, which qualified for the National Field Hockey Tournament, held in Cleveland Ohio. In recognition of her many and multifaceted talents, Myra was named the Most Athletic Female in her graduating class and received the Tnegras Award, the highest accolade granted to a Sargent College graduating senior. Myra continued to participate in various athletic endeavors right on up into her 80's. Her competitive spirit never waned; she became one of the finest middle aged and senior women golfers to grace the links in the York County region. In 1972, she was the Women's Champion at the Sanford Country Club. In 1946, she married Sanford attorney, John Blake Roberts, and the two would go on to have an active and wonderful life together for the next 47 years. They took numerous trips to Europe with their friends, vacationed in Sarasota and Winter Haven, Florida, and the Balsams of New Hampshire, cruised the Caribbean, traveled the US and Canada, and skied many peaks from Maine to Colorado. From the year of their marriage on, Myra and John summered at their beloved camp at Square Pond. For over 60 years they entertained and shared Camp My-Jo with multitudes of friends who hailed from many states and countries. Whether it was one of their patented chicken barbecues or a blueberry pancake Sunday brunch, one thing could be counted on: Myra and John would be there to greet all with the sunniest of smiles, making sure that no one left hungry. When not competing on the tennis court or links, Myra was always good for a game of cards. A fine bridge player, she never turned down an opportunity for a card game. When not playing cards or competing on the tennis court or links, Myra engaged herself in many endeavors. She could be found picking blueberries or strawberries; canning jellies, making homemade root beer; delivering fresh homemade baked goods to her friends around Christmas; volunteering time for the mentally and physically impaired; knitting mittens, sweaters, and blankets for family; reading a good novel; working through the daily crossword puzzle; cooking up wonderful holiday meals; watching the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, or her favorite British comedy show. A kind and gentlewoman, she was the happiest when surrounded by family and friends. She had a great love for animals and for over three decades she cared for two family dogs, Freckles and Lady, who were part of the fabric of the Roberts household. Her greatest hallmark was doing little thoughtful things for family and friends. A woman for the ages, she will be sadly missed by many. Myra's husband, the Honorable John B. Roberts, predeceased her in 1994, and her sister Elizabeth Stinchfield predeceased her in 2000. She is survived by her 3 children: Peter Roberts of Worcester, MA, Peggy Bannon of Sanford and Paul Roberts of Berwick, as well as four grandchildren, Nicholas and Casey Roberts of Sanford and Morla and Dara Roberts of Berwick. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, where a funeral service will be conducted on Saturday at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Diane Wendorf officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Springvale after which a reception will be held at the Heald Family Center, 574 Main Street, Springvale. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Beacon Hospice 42 Brickyard Court, York, ME 03909. Please make checks out to the Lighthouse Foundation.Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.