Biography

Roberta – A brief biography

Roberta was born to Robert and Alice Beagles in 1958, and lived her entire childhood with her parents and older sister, Jessica, in Pacific Palisades (see obituary in Pallisadian Post). Roberta had a serious congenital hearing loss, but with great determination became an extremely good lip-reader and exceled in school. She graduated from Palisades High School in 1975, and attended the University of California Irvine, and San Jose State University where she earned a degree in occupational therapy. Roberta married Norman Herr in 1981 at Palisades Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed 29 wonderful years of marriage.

During the early years of her marriage, Roberta worked as an occupational therapist at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. Although she enjoyed her career, she said her most important job was that of wife and mother and was privileged to be an at-home mom. Christiana was born in 1986, followed by Stephen in 1988, and John in 1991. Roberta invested deeply in her children and received much joy from teaching her children and watching them grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually.

Roberta was a very active member of Valley Presbyterian Church in North Hills, California. She had a deep concern for children and was involved in family and children's ministries for the past 24 years. Roberta was a quiet servant and friend who blessed many, many lives.

Roberta's favorite past-time was to be with her family, regardless of the activity. She had a deep appreciation for the out-of-doors, with a particular love for the ocean and mountains, and made many happy memories camping, hiking, and exploring with her family. Recently she acquired a great interest in European travel, primarily because her new son-in-law, Marten, is from the Netherlands.

After years of good health, Roberta suddenly learned that she had terminal cancer. She fully understood the doctor’s words and calmy said she had no fear of death, knowing she would spend eternity with God because of the work of her savior, Jesus Christ. Her final 20 days on Earth reflected her love for God and for her family and friends, and evidenced the peace she had in God’s promise of eternal life. Roberta will be deeply missed, but we will always remember her and look forward to a great reunion in heaven.