Viola Jane, born May 22, 1925. was the second of seven children born to Joseph and Ruth (Norris) Crandy.  It is not known when she first decided to make nursing her career, but a newspaper clipping at the time of her graduation relates: “The cadet nurses have received both their summer and winter uniforms. The girls will complete their training in 2 1/2 years instead of the usual three years. At the completion of their training, they will be subject to call to active duty in the armed forces.” She did receive a call, but it was to join the Catholic Church and monastic life.

Sr. M. Roberta came to Clyde as a postulant in February, 1948. Her parents, who were Baptist, bitterly opposed her decision. Her father especially was openly hostile to everything Catholic. Nevertheless, Roberta is remembered as a joyous young woman, fresh from nurses’ training, and eager to follow our Lord in this way of life. Her “guardian angel,” Sr. M. Elizabeth Krone, wrote of her, “She loved to draw and every note she happened to write me had a picture of the angel on it.” Sister made her first monastic profession on September 17, 1949, and her perpetual vows on November 6, 1954.

Over the years Sr. M. Roberta ministered as infirmarian in many of our monasteries. One sister remembers her as leaving “nothing unturned” in this service. Many sisters spoke of her gentle care for the sick. She made every possible effort to make sure their needs were met, and whatever a patient needed was not too much to ask. As infirmarian in our Kansas City monastery, she delighted in baking treats in the infirmary kitchen. Sr. M. Elizabeth wrote, “I can remember her joyous, vibrant smile and how she could see the funny side of life. Truly she brought sunshine into the lives of the sick in her care and all with whom she lived.” Sr. M. Roberta’s kind and generous spirit was nourished by her deep and abiding love for the Eucharist. She was devoted to Eucharistic adoration, which she wanted every night.

Sr. M. Roberta liked to watch birds and to study them in books. She was a passionate defender of birds against squirrels when it came to defending their food supply. She also loved classical music and would fill her room with beautiful music when she rested. During her later years, she listened often to recorded tapes of Scripture and attempted to memorize parts of the Gospel. She also took a correspondence course in Sacred Scripture.

For many years, Sr. M. Roberta suffered the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. She never complained of the pain. Her suffering made her more aware of the suffering of those around her, and she prayed for them and with them when she could. Sr. M. Roberta, although frail in body, had an acute memory for people and events. 

Sr. M. Roberta died on Sept. 15, 1997 from complications of surgery for a broken hip.  As the bells tolled for Sr. M. Roberta, the community prayed the verse at Lauds: “If I would fly upon the wings of morning, and settle at the limits of the sea, even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would be holding me.”

The Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Louis on September 17, with interment the following day at Mt. Calvary cemetery in Clyde. Her brother Robert and other life-long friends attended her wake and funeral.