Obituary of Roberta Lariviere

Roberta Suzanne Lariviere (née Donlon), known lovingly as Robbie, passed away peacefully at the Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus, on June 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on September 20, 1948, Robbie lived a life filled with compassion, joy, and enduring kindness — always putting others before herself.

A devoted caregiver in every sense, Robbie served as a registered nurse for many years, offering comfort and care to patients with a steady hand and a gentle heart. Her calling to help others extended far beyond her profession, shining through in the way she nurtured her relationships and built lasting connections with those around her.

Robbie was the beloved wife of the late Russ Lariviere.  She was a loving mother to her son, David Farron, and a grandmother to her twin granddaughters, Leah and Elyse Farron.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Irene and Mark Donlon and the devoted sister of Cathy Lalancette (Andre), Mary Ann Taylor (Steve), and Carol Donlon (Wayne Regier). She was predeceased by her brother, Mark Donlon, and is fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, Nadine.

Robbie was a loving aunt to Andre Lalancette Jr., Michelle Popovski (Jim), Mark Donlon Jr. (Dora), Jessica Donlon Ritz (Dan), Stephen Taylor (Cynthia), Michael Taylor, and Rachel Regier (Sean Tank). She also treasured her role as great-aunt to Alex Popovski, Julia Popovski, Adam Ritz, Brook Ritz, Jackson Donlon, Iris Donlon and Sadie Taylor (Hunter Myers).  Robbie held a special place in her heart for Jamie-Lynn Smith (Kevin).

Robbie had a zest for life that showed in the little moments. She loved to sing and dance, whether performing with the Heart of Essex and Sweet Adelines or simply sharing a laugh with friends in her living room. Music brought her joy, but it was the deep bonds she formed with her friends that meant the most.

She delighted in long drives to the county, especially to her favorite town of Kingsville, where a visit to Cindy’s for a shopping spree for "Bling"  and ice cream became cherished rituals. Many peaceful hours were spent near the calming waters of Lake Erie at her dear friend Cathy’s place, soaking in the beauty of the shoreline.

Robbie also loved wandering the small villages of Bayfield and St. Jacobs with family and friends, always in search of small treasures and new memories. Her favorite stop was the Angel Store in St. Jacobs, where she carefully selected angels to place throughout her home — quiet reminders of protection and peace.

Now, Robbie is our angel watching over us.

Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel – Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor) on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with an interment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation in Robbie’s memory - a cause that was close to her heart.

Online condolences may be left at www.windsorchapel.com