Roberta Fisher, a resident of Warrenville and formerly of Arlington Heights, died Friday, June 13 at home. She was born on May 3, 1916 in El Centro, California. Even before the depression, her family was very poor. Nevertheless, she managed to complete two years of college at Chaffey Junior College and one semester at the University of Oregon. During that time, she also obtained a pilot's license and made cross country road trips when most women didn't drive across town. Roberta married and worked until the first of her three children was born. As her husband's job transferred the family across the country, they lived in California, Wyoming, Minnesota, and finally Illinois where the Fishers became active in the Community Presbyterian Church of Mt. Prospect. There, Roberta became an elder and clerk of the Session board while also serving as the head advisor of the high school youth group. Under her leadership, the youth group grew dramatically. The young people nominated Roberta for "Homemaker of the year" for which she was a finalist. It was also about that time that she wrote a children's Christmas song that has been performed across the country.

In the mid 1960's, Roberta transferred her membership to the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church. When her youngest graduated from high school, she offered to work for free at a local travel agency. One week later, she was put on the payroll and a few years after that, at the age of 55, she started Roberta Fisher Travel, eventually expanding to offices in Arlington Heights, Elk Grove, and Bensenville and then adding Roberta Fisher Tours, Roberta Fisher School for Travel Agents, and a cruise office in California. While planning and directing tours for many around the world, Roberta began organizing senior citizen's tours, as well. Through this, she became acquainted with many seniors throughout the Chicago area. Eventually, she worked with the Evangelical Free church to offer a twice yearly concert and luncheon free to the seniors. They came by the busloads from all over the metropolitan area.

Through her work, Roberta traveled to many countries of the world. While traveling on the Tran Siberian Railroad, she smuggled Bibles into the Soviet Union, taking them to distant cities where it would be hardest for believers to get them. During a travel agent's convention in the Philippines in 1980, she attended a film about the history of that country. As a scene reenacting a war unfolded, an anti-Marcos dissident set off a bomb near her seat. The bomb malfunctioned, sending shrapnel out only parallel to the floor. Roberta was thankful her life was spared but the pieces of shrapnel that lodged in her feet remained there the rest of her life.

Although Roberta enjoyed her many experiences, it was clear that throughout her life, her faith and her family meant far more to her. She always knew that no accomplishments could replace the sacrifice made for her on the first Easter.

Roberta leaves her son Larry (Susie), daughters Susi Cochran, and Carol (Valdis) Petersons, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Wesley and grandson James Michael Cochran.

Memorials may be directed to Wheaton Academy, 900 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago, IL 60185-1796.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.