Roberta Ann (Brown) Smith

8/23/1961 – 12/21/2023

Roberta (Berta) Smith, 62, of Sycamore, IL passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2023 after battling Multiple Sclerosis. Berta was born in Sycamore to Steven and Betty Brown on August 23, 1961. She attended Sycamore schools, followed by the American Institute of Business of Iowa, receiving a degree in Business. From selling Christmas trees to managing the original Brown's in Genoa, IL, to working at Brown's County Market in Sycamore, most of Berta's employment involved supporting the family grocery business. Her picture at age 5 was even featured in a newspaper ad: "My mommy shops at Brown's…".

Roberta married Mark Aaron Smith on October 24, 1987 during Sycamore's Pumpkin Festival. They rode through town in a horse-drawn carriage after the ceremony. Together they had two children, Christopher Michael Smith and Sarah Louise Smith. She was also an "other mother" to Carly Lynne Hoecherl and Krista Grace (Hoecherl) Benassi. Her children and her good friends loved her fiercely and will miss her dearly. Her husband, Mark, was her true love and took amazing care of her throughout her life.

Berta was a force in the lives of those who knew her. Whether camping, canoeing, going to concerts, hosting a lobster boil, bartending at Pizza Wheel, or just "visiting" while playing backgammon, she embraced a zest for life and generosity of spirit which all will remember.

Roberta is survived by her husband and children; her brothers Steven Brown (Velda), Daniel Brown (Roselle) and Donald Brown (Laurie); her nephews, nieces, cousins, and many others who cherished relationships with her.

She was predeceased by her parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery, both in Sycamore.

To sign the online guest book or write a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com