Marblehead, MA — Abigail (Gail) Eaton Roberts, 73, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born in Brockton, MA, on December 27, 1939, to Charles and Nina (Tucker) Eaton.
Raised in Hingham, MA, Gail attended Hingham High School (’57), where she sang in the chorus and was accepted to the Massachusetts All-State Choir. She was a proud graduate and active alumna of Wellesley College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961, majoring in Biology. A year later, she received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Harvard University. In 1966 she married George Owen Roberts, whom she met while teaching at Newton South High School. Just after getting married, they spent a fabulous year together near Florence, Italy.
A life-long educator and advocate for public education, Gail taught Biology and English in the Newton and Marblehead public school systems, and served as the Student Activities Coordinator for Marblehead High School. She retired from the Marblehead Public School system in 1991 and became a volunteer for, and supporter of, the Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools.
Gail was a generous and caring woman, a consummate hostess, and a social networker before there was such a thing as social networking. In her later years, she traveled extensively with her husband, particularly in Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Other hobbies included gardening, golfing, boating, music and the arts.
She is survived by her husband George of 47 years, a son Gareth and his wife Julie of Worcester, a daughter Gwyneth Croll and her husband Bobby of Jacksonville, Oregon, a brother John Eaton and his wife Linda of Marshfield, and two grandchildren, Bronwyn Croll and Owen Roberts.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial visitation honoring Gail will be held at the Eustis and Cornell Funeral Home, 142 Elm Street, Marblehead, on Friday, March 15, from 4 – 8 pm. A gathering in celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center, 102 Endicott Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or the Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools, P.O. Box 718, Marblehead, MA 01945. Please visit the online guest book at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com
