Roberta Bernadine Mallard

She was born September 24, 1943.

Roberta was a California girl that could not have been more Texan. She dug deep once she arrived and was honestly larger than life. She got to know everyone, never missing a chance to say hello and learn someone's story. She cared about so many people, and touched hearts wherever she went.

The best way to characterize her adult life -- outside of her love for Jim, her kids and grandkids (which was her driving force) -- is that she was a modern Renaissance woman: She was an entrepreneur, starting a groundbreaking all natural, organic soap and cosmetics company and Austin in the 70s; followed by her time spent running her remarkably successful real estate company in the 80s; a playwright; an accomplished journalist, earning accolades for her interviews, including the legendary Texan Ann Richards; and for the past many years a remarkably talented artist, exhibiting her vibrant work in multiple galleries.

Mostly, she was a wife, a mom and a grandmother. Her family was her first priority above all else. She made sure we could always gather for birthdays and holidays, and she absolutely made the most of it. She loved all of us so strongly that we could feel it in our bones. It's truly difficult to say goodbye, and we will forever have amazing, crazy, vivid memories of our time with her.

Birdie, Roberta, always liked to help people. She asked me what I really would like to do if nothing could hold me back. I said I would like to be a Physical Therapist. I was 41 and said, “Birdie, but I won’t be a Physical Therapist until I’m 46.” She said, “You’re going to be 46 anyway.” I went “oh, yeah”. She worked at menial telemarketing jobs to get me through PT school. She had to dummy down her resume or be rejected for, over qualification. She would say,” yeah, I’ve had some college courses,” when in fact, she had an Honors English degree from Berkeley "I have been a Physical Therapist for 30 years."

Birdie helped a family business in California, Zee Medical. The owner’s son was shy and not a leader, business was not particularly good. She made a manual, trained the salespeople, got the manager that was stealing from the company fired. The son received leadership training sessions from Birdie. He became head of the company, and they became national leaders for Zee Medical Corporation.

We helped each other throughout our marriage in illness and health. Recently, with her health failing, she thanked me for taking care of her. I told her it was an honor to take care of her. I love her so much.

She is a wonderful person and will always be with me.

Jim Mallard

A funeral service for Roberta will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, TX 76016, followed by a visitation and gathering from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.