In loving memory
Roberta "Bobbie" Palsa (27 July 1942 - 25 October 2024)
Losing four grandparents in four years has felt like an endless tsunami of grief. Wave upon wave of sadness has eroded my heart, to the point of near numbness. But pain always has a purpose. I believe a big part of my purpose is to preserve the legacy of my family for future generations, so genealogy research and writing have been cathartic and vital to my healing process.
My paternal grandmother, my last living grandparent, passed away unexpectedly at the end of October. She was the one who was supposed to live forever. At 82, she was still going to the gym and taking group exercise classes less than two weeks before she passed. But God had other plans, that our family still doesn’t understand.
PALSA, Roberta "Bobbie" Marie (Douglas), 82, of North Chesterfield, passed away on October 25, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Harry Douglas and Eunice Kay Douglas, her brothers, John Edward Douglas and Larry Alan Douglas, and her husband Joseph "Joe" Palsa.
Bobbie is survived by her son, William "Bill" Palsa and wife, Debra "Debbie"; and daughters, Susan Palsa McAulay-Kidd; Barbara Jo "BJ" Palsa and wife, Elisabeth; Kristina Palsa Buchanan and husband, Scott; and Amy Palsa Huskey and husband, William "Shane" Huskey; as well as ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Nov. 3, 2024.
Writing it down makes it real. And I’ve avoided it as long as I could.
To me, she was Grandmom. A fierce advocate for those she loved. A dog rescue champion. A steadfast anchor of her church choir. A witty woman with a dash of sass.
When I visited my hometown in July, I organized a dinner with my grandmother and all her kids. It had been a while since everyone had been together, and she told me afterward how thankful she was that I’d done it.
I had no idea it would be the last time I would see her in person.
Make the memories. Take the pictures.
You never know when it could be the last time and photos are all you have left.
Here are a few of her favorite photos she shared over the years, with her parents and siblings:
I have no doubt that after a joyful reunion in heaven with her family, Grandmom is now standing post at the Rainbow Bridge, ready to greet every dog with a hug and a treat.
We’ll always love you, Grandmom.
Nicole, I share your grief in losing the last of your grandparents. I agree that writing and talking about your relationships helps to soothe the emptiness that has been left with death. Know that there are so many of us who are grieving with you in our own ways.
Your newly found family and adopted grandfather share in your grief,
David (Harvey) Simkins
What a nice tribute. I’m sorry for your losses. I’m glad you were able to write about it.