Canandaigua, NY: Roberta Melita Kappel (nee Caul), born August 9, 1941 in Chicago, Il., passed peacefully on March 13, 2019, at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, N. Keith Kappel of Canandaigua, NY; daughters Deborah L. Spry of Walworth (Glen) and Kristine Thompson of Honeoye Falls; grandsons Glenn, Rob (Liz), Kyle (Hannah), Jake, Benjamin, and Ian; great-granddaughter Gracie; brother Ted G. Caul of Palos Park, Il., and niece Amy.
Roberta graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and held a concurrent degree from the University of Chicago as well as a master’s degree (early childhood education) from Nazareth College of Rochester. Her undergraduate degree certified her to teach art and English K through 12 and while she taught at a number of schools in Illinois and New York, her most fulfilling experience was at Holy Cross School in Rochester, NY.
In addition to being a teacher, she was a freelance artist and art director. When she lived in Illinois, she served as a docent and lecturer at the Art Institute of Chicago. In conjunction with her husband, Keith, they formed a small home-based business, The Lakeview Studio, where they collaborated to fabricate art objects including paintings, murals, wood furniture, and home accessories that she hand-painted to customer specifications. One of Roberta’s proudest accomplishments was when a tapestry she designed and made was accepted into the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
Keith remembers her as a wife, world’s best mother, artist, friend, colleague, and soul mate—an extraordinarily creative and truly nice person.
Final service arrangements will be private with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Roberta’s name to Ontario-Yates County Hospice, 756 Preemption Road, Geneva, NY.
Dear Keith and Family,
Bobbie and I met when we both taught at Holy Cross School. A lasting friendship began during our lunch time. Bobbie’s dedication to teaching and her students was evident. She had limited supplies and less than ideal working conditions, yet her students consistently produced beautiful and creative works of art. After we both retired, we would meet several times a year for lunch. During these times, which usually lasted the entire afternoon, we’d “catch up” on what was happening with us and our families. She proudly shared your latest adventures and achievements. Even though we’ve never met (except for Keith), I feel I know many of you quite well! Each of you was very special and important to Bobbie. I will always treasure our friendship. Along with you, I will miss Bobbie.
Sincerely, Sandy Wing