Hedy Sue (Fagin) Roebuck Saunders
Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt, Hedy Sue (Fagin) Roebuck Saunders, passed away unexpectedly on February 9, 2025, at the age of 78 in Charlottesville, Virginia. She had multiple medical conditions and battled through them, but sadly this last episode was too much for her heart. The family is heartbroken; yet, filled with all the love and beautiful memories we shared with her.
Hedy was born on March 22, 1946, in Washington, DC and lived up to being the middle child. She was always getting into mischief like when she shimmied up the pipe of her two-story high school to get a ball down from the roof. In 1963, she married Frank Roebuck, and they eventually had four daughters and lived near College Park, Maryland. She was a "super mom"! She effortlessly made delicious homemade meals every day to include cooking a full course breakfast on the Coleman grille on camping trips. She was a talented seamstress, making a lot of our clothes with 70s flair, "I Dream of Jeannie" Halloween costumes, and intricate baby and Barbie doll outfits. She made holidays extra special with a beautiful dinner table and homemade decorations that were store worthy like her famous painted pinecone Christmas wreaths and trees. She did all this in a fancy dress and heels and stylish hairdos! Her large fish tank-size sand terrariums were equally famous. Hedy was also PTA President, Brownie Leader, and fundraising chair for the school's annual Ronald McDonald House carnival. She somehow did all this whilst managing a fun-loving and super tidy home and becoming a Cosmetology Instructor.
In 1976, Hedy and our family moved to a small farm in Keswick, Virginia and had many escapades from Frank cutting down a very, very, very large tree that fell in the wrong direction, crashing down on the barn to catching the woods on fire while burning trash. Hedy's career in Charlottesville included working at The Daily Progress (publisher's executive assistant and human resources), Snelling & Snelling (recruitment/sales), and Recreational Resorts (accounting). She was active in the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and on the board of the Charlottesville Business and Professional Women's Club. She was now "super mom" to teenagers, chauffeuring them to practices and cheering them on at the games and track meets. Hedy remarried to Aubrey Saunders, and a favorite pastime of theirs was riding motorcycles on Skyline Drive. It was during this time that Hedy was called by her favorite name, "Grandma". Later, the youngest grandchildren and great grandchildren would call her "Wawa". Her "super" status continued with the grands and her eagerly participating in all of their events. We say "participate", as she was right up there with them dancing with Chuck E Cheese and climbing in the tunnels at Discovery Zone at birthday parties. Some of her hobbies included gardening, dancing, going to the beach, enjoying a good crab feast, and adding to her collection of cowboys and indians that covered every corner of her walls and bookcases.
Family was everything to Hedy, and she loved us with all her heart. She always saw the best in each of us, celebrated our successes, lended a shoulder and hug when needed, and made us laugh like only she could. She was the lifeblood of our family, and we were so blessed to call her ours. We will miss her so, so very much and carry her legacy of love and family everywhere we go.
Hedy is predeceased by her second husband of 18 years, Aubrey Saunders; baby daughter, Lillian Roebuck, and parents, Jack and Geraldine Fagin.
She is survived by her former spouse of 20 years, Frank Roebuck; three daughters: Tammy Prailey (Michael), Pamela Forloines, and Laurie Nalls (Gary); eight grandchildren: Siera Blakely (Clark), Joshua Hensley, Chet Prailey (Amanda), Dakoda Eades (Andrea), Bret Prailey (McKinley), Ariel Forloines, Macon Forloines, and Colton Nalls; nine great grandchildren: Charles Rigg (Prailey), Sutton Prailey, Piper Prailey, Carmen Prailey, Joaquin Eades, Lena Blakely, Michael Prailey, Hayes Blakely, and Jace Prailey; sister: Sandra Baisey (James); brother: Martin Fagin; and nieces Debra Pugh and Julie Gilbert; and great nephews: Matthew Pugh (Leah) and Austin Gilbert.
We want to acknowledge and send our heartfelt gratitude to her extended family of wonderful friends and doctors.
A Visitation and a Celebration of Hedy's Life will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Teague Funeral Service (2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville) as follows:
• Receiving of Friends: 2-3pm
• Celebration of Life: 3-4pm
• Receiving of Friends: 4-5pm
Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project.
