Cathleen Louise Roberts

Cathleen Louise (Cass) Roberts was born on May 6, 1950 and grew up in Newark, Delaware. Her parents were Rosemary and Stephen Nemeth and she had four brothers. Her father died when Cass was 18 and she helped her mom Rosemary care for her younger brothers. Her youngest brother Jim said his humor in life was shaped in great part by the laughter they shared.

Cass grew up and attended the local Catholic Church and school which influenced her view of life. She was in her own way an activist and environmentalist, and she revered St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, and St Jude, the patron saint of lost causes and hope. In college, Cass obtained a BA in History and Government.

In mid-life, while at a Catholic Singles party, she met a British man who accidentally attended the wrong party. His name was John Roberts. They married and celebrated over 23 years of marriage. She was the love of his life. They settled in Bessemer City, NC and made a beautiful home which was a hub for friends and family, filled with pottery, art, music, and parties.

After their time owning and running a natural foods store in downtown Bessemer City, Cass worked for the City of Charlotte and the City of Gastonia for many years and delighted her coworkers with her wit and loud cackle. Towards the end of her time working for Gastonia, she discovered a talent for cartooning which was a natural fit for her whimsy and offbeat humor. Cass had a love for all types of music (Moody Blues and Chamber Music, to name a few) and recently had bought a dulcimer with the intent of learning to play. Cass also volunteered with the Patrick Senior Center and was connected to the Southern Arts Society, both in Kings Mountain, NC. She expanded her art into other forms of drawing and painting and had success in winning awards and selling her work.

In the last few years Cass was a tireless caregiver for John up until his death on October 24, 2024. Her illness and decline were sudden and heartbreaking. She died on February 18, 2025.

Cass will be sadly missed by many people and her community, and will always be lovingly remembered for her warmth, kindness, caring nature and great humor.

Eternal rest grant unto you, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon you. Rest in peace.

Cass is preceded in death by her husband John Roberts, her mother Rosemary Nemeth, her brother Stephen John Nemeth, and her father, Stephen Nemeth.

Cass leaves behind her two step-sons Timothy and Simon Roberts; her brothers Charles Paul Nemeth (Jean Marie), Thomas Robert Nemeth (Roxanne), and James Edward Nemeth (Erzerbet); her sister-in-law Jan Nemeth; her nieces Katie, Eleanor, Annie Marie, Marie Claire, Bethany, Krisztina, Veronika, and Emma; her nephews Stephen, John, Joseph, Michael, and Matthew; and 10 great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service and Reception will be held for Cass on Saturday, March 8 at First United Methodist Church at 110 W Alabama Ave, Bessemer City, NC 28016 at 2:00 pm.