Roberta D. "Bobbie" LaVancha

Roberta D. LaVancha

June 23, 1954 – October 26, 2025

WATERTOWN, NY — Roberta D. "Bobbie"  LaVancha, 71, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Roberta was born on June 23, 1954, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of Robert and Santina (Basile) Hallsworth. She graduated from Watertown High School.

On April 5, 1975, she married Eugene R. LaVancha of Copenhagen at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Watertown, where they raised their family.

Roberta began her career working in the kitchen at Mercy Hospital. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce as a home health aide for Public Health, where she dedicated 28 years of compassionate service before retiring.

Her husband, Eugene, worked as a custodian for the Watertown City School District for more than 20 years before his retirement.

Roberta was an avid bowler and a proud member of the 500 Club. She played in numerous leagues over the years and also coached the Junior Bowling Division at Seaway Plaza. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, needlepoint, and collecting hats and salt and pepper shakers. Above all, Roberta cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Among her survivors are her beloved husband, Eugene R. LaVancha Sr.; three children, Eugene R. LaVancha II of Watertown, NY; Frank A. (Tanya) Accordino of NC and Santina M. LaVancha of Watertown, NY; six grandchildren — Kayza Limehouse, Madison, Blake, Jayden, Allen, and Drew Accordino; six sisters and three brothers-in-law, Katherine Pecori of Watertown, Diana Finn of Watertown, Cheryl Whitmore of Ellisburg, Francesca (Phil) Sharp of Clayton, Marjorie “Penny” (Arthur) McManus of Watertown, and Bridget (Andre) Saint- Val of Watertown; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Santina Hallsworth, and four sisters, Sandrajean Jacinta and Michele Hallsworth, and Mary McMahon.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey Street, Watertown. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home followed by a Celebration of Life at the Italian-American Club. Please bring or wear a funny hat in memory of our beloved mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roberta’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.