Roberta Skislak

Roberta Skislak, age 87 of Grand Rapids, passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, December 16th 2024. Deepest gratitude and sincere thanks are extended to the staff at Corewell Health 7 South, St. Ann’s Home, and Emmanuel Hospice for their tender and thoughtful care of Roberta throughout her final days. Roberta was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Robert “Bob” Skislak; mother and step-father Jennie and William Hoffman; grandfather Jon Tucholski; brother Robert Hoffman, and brother-in-law Andy Skislak. Surviving are children William (Dee) Skislak, Wayne (Jody) Skislak, and Renee Sikkema; grandchildren Nick (Amy) Skislak, Anne Skislak, Ashley Sikkema, Ryan Skislak, and Jenna Skislak; sisters-in-law Dee Hoffman and Aldonna Skislak; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of cherished friends. Roberta was born December 1st, 1937 in the waterfront town of Perth Amboy, New Jersey into a tight-knit Polish family. Her dear grandfather arrived at Ellis Island in the early 20th century in search of a better life for his family. Teaching himself English, he opened both a dry goods store and tavern where Roberta frequently helped out as a child after school. He taught her the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of living each moment with integrity, which she carried with her all her days. Some of her fondest memories involved taking the train into New York City with her aunt, catching the latest pictures at the cinema or taking in a show at Radio City Music Hall. Roberta also spent many afternoons with friends at the Jersey Shore. Her life was enriched after meeting her husband Bob while working at Vulcan Detinning in Woodbridge, New Jersey. They were wed in August of 1964 and moved to Michigan in 1967, putting down roots in Grand Rapids. One of her proudest achievements was being named Vice President of Irvin Alan Fabrics, where she worked for 35 years. Known by those closest to her as “Butch”, Roberta was truly one in a million. She was a shining example of how to live life to the fullest while standing up for one’s convictions. Her indomitable spirit and fiery personality were always on full display, and while she was wise beyond her years, she always remained young at heart. She possessed the unique ability to worm her way into people’s hearts and permanently make a home there. Strangers would often approach her and remark on her timeless beauty, but her outer beauty was far surpassed by what lay within. Her children and grandchildren were the greatest sources of joy in her life. Whether going out for dinner, playing cards, or simply sharing stories, if she was spending time with them with a glass of Merlot, she was at peace. Roberta was also a movie connoisseur, with tastes ranging from Old Hollywood to Quentin Tarantino. She will forever be remembered for her wicked sense of humor, her unmatched generosity, and the endless love she gave to those nearest and dearest to her. Just like her favorite entertainer, Elvis Presley, Roberta has left the building, but she will remain embedded in the hearts of her loved ones for all of eternity. The family will receive visitors from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 20th at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW. Eulogies will be presented at 6:30 P.M. Per Roberta’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Roberta Skislak

December 1, 1937 - December 15, 2024