Roberta Dew Conant, 79, of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, passed away on April 29, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was a dedicated psychologist, working with children and families in crisis.

Roberta was born on January 21, 1945 in Cleveland and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She attended Oberlin College, where she met her husband Peter in the registration line during their first week at college. Following their 1967 wedding, they moved to Cambridge, where she completed a Masters of Education degree at Boston University in 1975 with a thesis in Special Education. Then they moved to Jamaica Plain, where they bought a two-family home with their friends from Oberlin, John Lamb and Kathleen, and raised their children together. Their combined five children delighted in being able to play between both households, passing through the closets and back hall in an endless circle of love and friendship that the families maintain today.

Roberta completed her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at William James College in 1992. Her dissertation on the experience of adult attachment during traumatic grief was published as a book chapter in Continuing Bonds. Roberta had an accomplished career as a clinical psychologist at nearly a dozen clinics and institutions.

Roberta’s twinkling eyes, easy smile and ready laugh will be missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her dedication to helping others, her love for nature, and her passion for birding, gardening, and music. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  [—Brady Fallon Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Boston]