Robertson, Wilza B., 77, March 5, 2015. Private interment to be held in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. Arrangements by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU & PORTAGE LAKE – Wilza B. Robertson, 77, wife of John F. Robertson, passed away Thursday morning, March 5, 2015, at a Bangor healthcare facility, following a brief illness. She was born June 6, 1937, in Caribou, the daughter of Daniel L. and Juanita (Kierstead) Kelley.
Wilza was a graduate of Caribou High School, class of 1955 and also attended the Aroostook State Normal School, Presque Isle. Wilza and her husband, the legendary Game Warden John Robertson, along with their two sons, moved to Portage Lake in the early 1960s where Wilza worked as a teacher’s aide at the Portage Central School until its closing in 1985. She then transferred to the Ashland Central School where she also worked as a teacher’s aide until her retirement in 1997.
Wilza always endlessly contributed to Portage Lake’s well being, where she served as ballot clerk for countless years, was involved with Portage Lake Tourism Committee, serving as president for several years, and while being involved with that committee was instrumental with Portage Lake becoming a member of Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. Wilza was dedicated to promoting Portage Lake as a recreational area, and was a founding member and past member of the Board of Directors of the Portage Lake Historical Society. She was also responsible for many events and improvements associated with Portage Lake, including chairing one of her shining stars, the Whoopie Pie Festival. She also created the tourism brochure and established the Candlelight Ceremony. Wilza was also a member of the Over 50 Group, the Red Hat Society, was involved with the Victorian Tea Party, the French Food Taste Fest, and the World Acadian Congress.
Mrs. Robertson was truly an outdoorswoman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an expert marksman and Certified Scorer for the Boone and Crocket, and the Maine Antler and Skull Trophy Club. She was also known as the author of the famous Robertson Christmas Letter, the recipients of which anxiously waited her Christmas cards and letters to see what antics she and her husband had been up to.
In addition to her parents, Wilza was predeceased by her sister, Danna Mae Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, John of Portage Lake; two sons, Daniel L. Robertson and his wife Tamra of Woodland, Allen J. Robertson of Portage Lake and his fiancée Christine Bowden; four grandchildren and spouses, Seth and Susie Robertson of Newtonville, MA, Emily and Marshal Dyer of Woodland, Ian and Jessica Robertson, and Sean Robertson, all of Presque Isle; and a long awaited great-grandchild, due in June. She also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wilza’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and staff of Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor for the exceptional care given during her hospital stay.
Friends called Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Mapleton United Methodist Church, corner of Hughes Road and Main Street, Mapleton, where a service to celebrate Wilza’s life was conducted at 2 p.m. with Pastor Dot Matson officiating. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments was held after the service in the church reception area. Private spring interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou. In lieu of lowers, those who wish may contribute in Wilza’s memory to C-A-N-C-E-R, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, Maine 04769. Arrangements are in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mockler funeralhome.com.
