Roberta "Bobbie" (Sirotto) Gottlieb

Roberta Lee “Bobbie” (Sirotto) Gottlieb, 87, of Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.

Born in Winthrop, MA, to Allen D. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Cohen) Sirotto, Bobbie spent her childhood years in Revere and Brookline, where she met the love of her life, Richard M. Gottlieb. They married on June 29, 1958, beginning a remarkable 67-year journey together—one built on deep love, partnership, family and shared adventure.

In 1961, with two young sons in tow, Bobbie and Richie moved to Milan, Italy, beginning a 19-year European chapter that would deeply shape their family’s lives. After nine years in Milan, the family settled in Rome, where Bobbie co-owned an art gallery while she and her family continued to immerse themselves in the beauty, cuisine, and culture of Italy. They spent summers vacationing with their family and close friends, making a lifetime of memories. Their European life continued with four cherished years in Paris, France, living in an apartment with views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

These years abroad reflected Bobbie and Richie’s love of travel and their commitment to raising their three sons—Geoffrey, Seth, and Jonathan—with an appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world, and multilingualism. This passion for exploration became a lasting family tradition, continuing through decades of shared family trips and gatherings around the globe.

In 1980, the Gottliebs returned to the United States and made their home in Westborough, MA. There, Bobbie embraced her love of knitting and opened a yarn shop, Bags Full of Yarn, which became not only a local favorite but a warm and welcoming community space. She formed deep and lasting friendships through knitting circles and Mahjong games; friendships that brought her joy, laughter, and love throughout the years.

A gifted and passionate cook, Bobbie was inspired by the culinary traditions of both Italy and France. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, comfort, and connection, especially during her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, when she would prepare elaborate meals surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and close friends.

A beautiful highlight of Bobbie’s life and perhaps one of her greatest joys and fulfillment came from her role as a grandmother. For the past 31 years, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her grandchildren, celebrating every milestone with unwavering pride and love. She stayed closely connected to their lives, offering her steady presence filled with wisdom, warmth, and boundless love.

Bobbie is survived by Richie, her soulmate, lifelong love, and devoted husband for nearly 68 years; her three sons, Geoffrey and his wife Tenessa of Jackson, WY; Seth and his wife Karen of Nantucket, MA; Jonathan and his wife Cathy of Wheaton, IL; and 11 cherished grandchildren: Robin, Christopher, Nicole, Cameron, Zoë, Alexandra, Adam, Daniel, Joshua, Logan, and Brooke. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who will carry her memory with love.

Bobbie’s legacy is one of warmth, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her thoughtful heart, and the vibrant joy she brought to life. Whether through her lovingly crafted knits, delicious meals inspired by her years in Europe, or her quick wit in Scrabble and word games, Bobbie shared beauty, connections and laughter. Her cherished friendships and, above all, her deep love for her family were the threads that knit together a life richly and gracefully lived.

A memorial service to celebrate the beautiful life of Roberta Gottlieb will be held sometime in May with details to follow. Memorial contributions in Bobbie’s name can be made to the Umass Memorial Office of Philanthropy, 365 Plantation St. One Biotech, Worcester, MA 01605. To leave a message , please visit Bobbie’s webpage at www.Mercadantefuneral.com.

A memorial service to celebrate the beautiful life of Roberta Gottlieb will be held sometime in May with details to follow.