Roberta Lee August

“We can always be kind.”  Roberta Lee August, 77, departed from this life on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, where she devoted herself to her community and left behind a legacy of kindness and compassion.

Born November 14, 1938, in Torrington, CT, she was the daughter of the late Robert S. and Alice (Whitbeck) August.  Raised in the Litchfield Public School System, she graduated as the Class of 1956 Valedictorian from Litchfield High School.  She later graduated from Cazenovia Junior College for Women – Phi Theta Kappa, with an Associate Degree, cum laude where she later received an honorary Doctoral Degree in Humanities.  She further studied Liberal Arts courses – undergraduate level – at the University of Connecticut, Torrington Campus from 1959 - 1965.   She was employed by E. Seward Stevens, Esquire of Guion and Stevens, of Litchfield from 1958 – 1970.

With an interest in Banking, she attended and graduated from the Williams School of Banking in Williamstown, MA in 1976.  Her banking career began as an Administrative Assistant in the Trust Department of the Hartford National Bank and Trust Company during May of 1970 and rose to Vice President of the Private Clients Group associated with Connecticut National Bank, Shawmut Bank and Fleet Bank.  She retired June 1, 2001 from the Simsbury Office of Fleet Bank and continued caring for people in the Torrington, Winsted and Simsbury areas until the time of her death. 

Her philanthropy included many local organizations –  Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, where she served as Recording Secretary for the Board of Directors, Ambassador, Member of the By-Laws / Governance Committee; Rotary Club of Torrington where she served as President from 2001 – 2002, as well as Assistant District Governor and the local chairperson for Rotary International Foundation, and remained active in the Torrington-Winsted Rotary Club; Northwest Connecticut YMCA, where she served as a Corporator, member of the Board of Trustees, Corporate Secretary of the Board of Trustees, previously on the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Board of Directors for several years as well as working with the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign; United Way of Northwest Connecticut in various capacities for over 30 years including Annual Chairperson for their campaigns in 2001 and 2002, and co-chair of the Leader’s Circle in 2007; Torrington Historical Society, Corporator, member and Vice President of the Board of Directors, member of the Nominating Committee to present.

Her generosity continued in her support of the Litchfield Performing Arts, Inc., where she was a former member and President of the Board of Directors for three years and volunteered at the Jazz Festival; Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, Inc., former Board member and chairperson of the Wine Tasting event for two years; Heritage Land Preservation Trust, Inc., former member of the Trustees and Treasurer until her term ended in 2007; Prime Time House, Inc., former Board member and President of the Board for several years, and also a member of the Executive Committee; Literacy Volunteers of Northwest Connecticut, former Board member and worked on the transition of the group to become an integral part of the Northwest Connecticut YMCA; and, Northwestern Girl Scout Council, former member and former member of the Finance Committee.

Her commitment to the community has been recognized by many organizations and Roberta has humbly been the recipient of Rotary’s highest honor being named a Paul Harris Fellow, The YMCA Legacy Award, the Wisdom House Award, Northwest Connecticut Chamber Community Leader Award, and a building was named after her by Prime Time House.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews including two special grand nieces, Tina Massey and Kelly Massey and nephew Harry Massey, all of Colorado and a community who loved and respected her.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by four sisters, Patricia Sepples, Gertrude Gass, Frances Harmon, and Shirley Mendelsohn.

Roberta’s commitment to her community was second only to her devotion to Trinity Episcopal Church, where she was a Chalice Bearer, Chair-person of the Asset Management Committee, a member of the Trinity Arts Council and Property Committee, and where she volunteered for many years at the local Soup Kitchen. Funeral services will be held at her beloved Church, 220 Prospect Street in Torrington, on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.   There are no calling hours. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Roberta Lee August Fund, c/o Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, P. O. Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790 or to the Cazenovia College Alumnae Association, 22 Sullivan Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035 or perform an act of kindness in her memory.  Condolences may be sent to Roberta’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com

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