The Roberts Family History

Our heritage dates back to the mid-1800's when William Harrison Roberts was a cabinet maker and undertaker in Wayne in 1840, he probably could not have believed that his great-great-great-grandchildren would carry on the family name and tradition right into the 21st century. 

William H. Roberts had four sons; Frank, Will, Wendall, and Nathan. All were cabinet makers and undertakers, as it was the cabinet makers who made the caskets and did undertaking in those days. Frank later moved to Vienna, Maine and then to Georgetown, Mass., where to this day the Roberts family continues the funeral business. Will, Wendall, and Nathan went to Readfield where Nathan's son, Leon Roberts', elected to carry on the business after his father died. After a devastating fire in Readfield Village, Leon lost everything. Known for his determination, Leon purchased the Bowdoin Street house in 1923 and renovated it into the first funeral parlor in the area. Leon Roberts played an instrumental role in requiring licensing for morticians in the 1920's. By the time his two sons, Carleton and Douglas, were of age to take over the business, six months of schooling and licensing were required.

Continuing with tradition...
Terry Roberts, son of Carleton and Lucille Roberts, attended mortuary school in Boston where he met his wife, Janice, whom he married in 1960. Terry and Janice had three children; Lynn, Leon, and Valerie. Lynn Roberts Reed and Leon Roberts are currently carrying out the family tradition. Lynn is President of Knowlton & Hewins and  Roberts Funeral Homes and a Bereavement Facilitator, and Leon is Vice-President and a Licensed Funeral Service Practitioner. Their father, Terry, is a Licensed Funeral Service Practitioner. Their mother, Janice,was a National Certified Bereavement Facilitator. Both Terry and Janice retired in December of 2003. In 1994 Janice co-authored with Joy Johnson "Thank You For Coming To Say Good-bye", a book written for families, funeral directors, and other care-giving professionals, and dedicated to children of all ages who need to understand what has happened, to be allowed to grieve, and to pay tribute to the person who no longer lives.

Keep reading...Hewins Family History

A Steadfast Philosophy

We have served families throughout these six generations with the philosophy that caring for people with compassion and understanding during their time of loss really does make a difference. It is our belief that the visitation and funeral or memorial ceremony should be a tribute and celebration of the life that has been lived. It is a time for family and friends to gather together and share special memories, say good-bye to the person they have known and loved, share their grief, and support and care for one another. We encourage the personalized use of music, pictures, and other special items during this time. We encourage you to make your needs and wishes known to us so that we may help make this a meaningful time to you.