Roberta "Bert" A. Dean

Roberta A. “Bert” Dean, 83, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Auburn Community Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born in Auburn on December 4, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Frances (Jackson) Aiken.

Roberta had a gift for making people feel at home. Her door was always open, her table always had room for one more, and her first question was always, “Have you eaten?” She was a gentle soul with a quick smile, the kind of person who remembered birthdays, showed up when it mattered, and treated friends like family and family like treasures. She took greatest joy in time spent with her children and her growing circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren—cheering from the sidelines, celebrating milestones, and sharing stories that will be told for years to come. Her kindness extended to every living creature; it was rare to see her without a pet by her side or a bag of goodies in her purse.

Roberta is survived by her children, Robert (Karlene) Golembeski, Gregory Golembeski, Shelly (Hank) Clark, Sherrie Golembeski, Cindy (John) Golembeski, Francis (Milagro) Golembeski, and Michael (Michelle) Dean; her siblings, Jean Kenney and Sharon (Tom) Bunn; and her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband and steadfast companion, Durward Dean; her brother, Charles Aiken; and her brother-in-law, Tom Kenney.

Calling hours will be held Friday, May 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn, NY. A graveside service will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roberta’s name to the Greater Cayuga SPCA or to a cancer foundation of your choice—causes that reflect her love for animals and her compassion for others. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta "Bert" A. Dean, please visit our floral store.