West Simsbury, CT – Carolyn M. (Rozicki) Roberts passed away peacefully with her family by her side on June 21, 2026, at UCONN John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington, CT.
Carolyn was born June 6, 1933, to Joseph Rozicki and Susie Korpita in Sunderland, MA, at home with her father delivering her. Whenever she told someone her birthday, she would quickly add, “D-Day was on my 11th birthday-I will never forget it.”
Carolyn was educated in the Sunderland school system. During her high school years, she worked in shade tobacco and proudly contributed her earnings to help her family build the home in which she grew up. After marrying Clifford Roberts, Jr., in 1954, the couple settled in Hatfield, MA, raising their family and spending the next 50 years there.
Her first job was at Pro Brush in Florence, MA. She later spent most of her career at Montgomery Roses in Hadley, MA. At age 55, she retired so she and Cliff, who was 62, could enjoy many years of retirement together.
In her early retirement years, she worked part-time for Twenty Acre Farm in Hadley. She had a lifetime love of gardening, both vegetables and flowers, and was known by family and friends for her exceptional green thumb. She enjoyed cross-stitching, crocheting and quilting. Together, Carolyn and Cliff traveled across the country twice, creating memories they cherished for years.
In 2003, she and Cliff moved to a warmer climate in Etowah, NC, where they lived for 16 wonderful years. They enjoyed the area, their community and their home immensely.
In 2019, they returned north to be closer to family. Their grandson Cliff Payson, who had spent many summers with them in Hatfield and often thought of Carolyn as a second mother, invited them into his home. There, Carolyn and Cliff lived independently in an in-law apartment.
Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren and being able to play a part in their lives. Even in her later years, she found happiness in the simple pleasures of nature – feeding the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and the family’s goats and chickens, and tending a small raised-bed vegetable garden and flower planters. She also enjoyed puzzles and staying connected with friends and family through Facebook.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 72 years, Clifford Roberts Jr., her daughters Kim Ruddock and her husband, Harry, and Lisa Packard and her husband, Chris; her grandchildren, Cliff Payson and his wife, Lindy, and Ben Ruddock and his fiancé, McKenzie Patterson; her great grandsons, Abel and Avery Payson; her sister, Rita Cybulksi, her lifelong friend, Jeanette Steidler; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Barbara McGoon; and her brothers, Carl, Joseph and Martin.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lisa Woods, PT and caregiver, whose compassionate care and friendship brought comfort to Carolyn over the past 3 years and who continues to provide support to Cliff.
In keeping with Carolyn’s love of Sunderland’s history, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Swampfield Historical Society at swampfieldhistorical.org.
To honor Carolyn’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care of Smith Kelleher Funeral Home, 87 Franklin Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.
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