Mae Astrid Roberts

Mae Astrid Strand Roberts, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, musician, and friend, passed away on April 22nd, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, generosity, and creativity.

Mae was born on April 10, 1932, in Tremonton, Utah, the youngest of 4 children born to Swedish immigrants Oscar Enock Strand and Judith Cerafia Hellstrom Strand. From childhood, Mae was bright and social. She loved music, singing, reading, writing, and dancing—talents that remained central to her identity throughout her life. A gifted musician, Mae played the viola in high school and college, and she sang alto in school, church, and community choirs wherever she lived.

Mae earned her two‑year degree from Weber State and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Utah State University in 1955, then taught Kindergarten in Ogden. In 1957, she pursued a Masters’ Degree in Child Development at Iowa State University.

It was at Iowa State that Mae met the love of her life, Donald W. Roberts. One afternoon, as Don was leaving the steps of the campus church, Mae approached him and with bright smile she said, “Let’s have a party!”—a simple invitation that sparked a lifelong partnership. That moment captured Mae perfectly: openhearted, welcoming, and always ready to bring people together. Their friendship deepened into love, and they married in the Los Angeles LDS Temple in 1959.

Mae and Don’s life together took them across the country, each chapter adding new friendships and new opportunities for Mae to share her talents. Their early years together were in Berkeley, California as Don pursued his Ph.D., and Mae taught elementary school. They also welcomed their son Marc. From there, they moved to Yonkers, New York, welcomed their daughter Sara, and then moved to Hastings‑on‑Hudson, New York. In 1977, Don's company moved to the Cornell University campus in Ithaca New York, where they lived for 20 years.

Their final move was to Logan, Utah, to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and Mae’s extended family. It was in their Logan home that their son Marc built a beautiful dance floor for them. Mae and Don had learned West Coast Swing years earlier, and it became their signature style. They danced with a joy that was unmistakable, gliding across the floor with an ease and connection that drew others in. They didn’t just dance; they taught. Friends, neighbors, students, and even curious grandchildren found themselves learning the steps, guided by Mae’s enthusiasm and Don’s warmth. That dance floor defined their 62 years of marriage.

Of all Mae’s roles, none brought her more joy than being a grandmother. She nurtured her family with steadiness and compassion-celebrating their accomplishments and guiding them through challenges. Her grandchildren remember their shared love of Harry Potter, the Utah Jazz, the Denver Broncos, her handwritten notes, and the way she made each of them feel uniquely cherished.

Mae had a remarkable gift for seeing the positive in people and situations. She noticed strengths, encouraged potential, and offered kindness freely. Whether planning church activities, singing in choirs, supporting friends, or welcoming guests from all over the world into her home, Mae made people feel valued and understood. She was also very organized, keeping daily life running smoothly for everyone around her.

Mae’s legacy endures in the many lives she touched, the music she shared, the joy she brought to every gathering, and the family she nurtured with such devotion.

Mae is survived by her daughter Sara (Jeff) Roundy, Grandchildren Julieanne Mae (Jon) Anson, Jake Roundy and Carter Roundy.

Special thanks to her many friends and staff at Williamsburg Retirement Community and Atlas Homecare & Hospice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Nelson Funeral Home on Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.