Roberta Herr 

It was only twenty days ago that we first learned that Roberta had a life-threatening illness, and only 15 days since oncologists diagnosed her condition as a very agressive disease described as "poorly differentiated small cell cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation appearing in the liver".  From the beginning, Roberta knew that she was dying, and repeatedly told physicians, family, and friends,that she had no fear of death and would continue to trust God as she always had.  Roberta knew that she would spend eternity with her Maker and had no fear of what was ahead.  We never heard her complain about her debilitating condition, but frequently heard her give thanks to those who assisted her, and praise to God for his lovingkindess and promise of eternal life. We have a profound sadness over Roberta's death, and will miss her every day for the rest of our lives.  It is extremely painful to think of life without her, yet we also rejoice with her that she has gone into the presence of Almighty God. Roberta so much wanted to meet with each of you and bless you, but her body would not permit her to do so.  In the days ahead I want to share with you things that she was unable to.  Some will be shared through photographs and writings on the website, and others through emails, phone calls or talks.  

With deepest sorrow, gratitude and love in our hearts, Norm & Family

Please share your memories of Roberta - Roberta and I had a wonderful marriage. She blessed her children and me every day of her life, and now, as she has gone to be with the Lord, we are sustained by beautiful memories of our years together. As many of you know, I have written a number of books and papers on my academic specialties, but now, I have a much better book to write, the story of Roberta and our family life together. Thank you for sharing notes for Roberta during her illness.  The 225 notes were a great encouragement to her and to us. I have also made a new blog where you can share specific stories and memories of your friend, and they will be used in a book that I intend to write for my family.  You can also share them by email to Norm (norm.herr@csun.edu), but if you put them on the blog,others can enjoy them too.

• Prayer of Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving Day, 2010 (by Norm)

• Reflections on Roberta's Life (by her friends)

• My Beloved Wife, Roberta (by Norm)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  (John 14:27)

"There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve -- even in pain -- the authentic relationship. Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain." Dietrich Bonhoeffer