Roberta M Shays, Gatzke

Roberta M. (Lapensee) Shays, Gatzke, 67 of Thompson CT. formerly of Dudley passed away Thursday September 16th 2010 in her home with family by her side. Roberta's 1st husband Harry Shays Sr. passed away in 1996. She is survived by sixteen children, Cindy Bonneville and her husband Mark of Webster, Lisa Shays, Gina Wilcox and her husband Robert all of Worcester, Kathy Bonneville and her husband Gary with whom she lived, Debra Peters and her husband James, Robin Rose and her husband Tony all of Worcester, Darlene Shays in Indiana, Todd Shays, Harry Shays and his wife Diamond all of Worcester, Roger Shays and his wife Jessie in Arizona,Wayne Shays,Philip Shays and wife Linda of Worcester,George Shays and wife Donna of Liester, James Shays and his wife Sylvia of Spencer, John Shays and his wife Doreen of Oxford, Bryan Shays and his wife Kathy of Albany NY; three brothers, James Lapensee, twins Dennis and Douglas Lapensee, four sisters, Rosemarie "Pat" Stanley, Shirley Mariano, Beverly Elliott and Deborah Page; 112 grandchildren; 62 great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews and friends. A son, Robert Shays passed away in November of 2007. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of Robert and Margaret (White) Lapensee. Roberta lived most of her life in Worcester, several years in Dudley before moving in with her daughter in Thompson. Roberta worked many years as a Cashier for the Price Chopper Supermarket Company before retiring. She was a member of St Stephen Church. Roberta's life's work was the raising of her 17 children. She cherished the ability to enjoy them, watch them grow and have children of their own. She had, including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, 190 direct members. The special times in her life were the times they could all be together enjoying each other's company. Roberta's funeral will be held Tuesday, September 21st from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 am in St Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St. Burial next to her husband Harry will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Calling hours will be held Monday, September 21st from 4 pm to 8 pm in the funeral home.