Roberta Lockwood Bagley, 77

BUZZARDS BAY – Roberta Lockwood Bagley, 77, of Onset, MA, and formerly a longtime resident of Bethel, CT, died Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at her home after a long illness. She was the wife of Paul E. Bagley for 50 years.

Born in Danbury, CT, she was the daughter of the late Millicent (Todd) Benedict and Robert L. Benedict. She was a proud graduate of Bethel High School, Class of 1963, and the Americo Academy Beauty School. Roberta managed Milady’s Beauty Salon in CT for 12 years.

After her marriage to Paul, they owned and operated Ship Shape Dry Cleaners in Brookfield, CT and Village Green Cleaners in New Milford, CT for 48 years. Roberta was a very talented entrepreneur and business owner. All those who knew her in the dry cleaning industry can attest to her welcoming smile, her knack for remembering names and personal details, and her natural ability to make people feel special.    

For many years, Roberta and Paul split their time between Bethel, CT and their home on Butler’s Cove in Onset, where Roberta loved to entertain. She was in her element when there was a houseful of people and she always had hors d’oeuvres at the ready. After retiring from dry cleaning and selling their business in 2020, Paul and Roberta moved year-round to Onset. Roberta was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, always maintaining her sense of humor and never wavering in her incredible support of those she loved.

Roberta is survived by her husband, Paul E. Bagley; her son, Paul R. Bagley and his wife Erin (Brennan) Bagley of Needham; her brother, Todd Benedict and his wife Karin (Heintz) Benedict of Bourne; and her grandchildren whom she adored, Adelaide “Addie” Lockwood Bagley and John “Jack” Robert Bagley. The Bagley Family is extremely grateful to Simone Pereira De Souza for her love and caring support.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 22nd at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on the Canal, 165 Main St., Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 at 11:00 AM. All are welcome. Following the services, attendees are welcome to join the family at Paul and Roberta’s house for lunch and to celebrate Roberta’s life.      

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made in Roberta’s name to the Cranberry Hospice Annual Fund: https://giving.bilh.org/bethisraeldeaconesshospitalplymouth/cranberry-hospice-annual-fund/.  For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.