Obituary of Roberta "Bobbi" Megard

Roberta ‘Bobbi’ Ann Megard. Age 87 of St. Paul. Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, passed away November 16, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Preceded in death by husband Robert ‘Bob’, parents Roy and Georgia McNeal; brothers Roy ‘Bo’ McNeal and Henry ‘Hank’ McNeal; grandchild Jason Jones and great-grandchild La'Vonte King Jason Jones. Survived by children Jason; Allison; Rachel (Jeff) Tranberry; grandchildren Jonas (Dillon), Alejandro, LeShae, Heaven; Sophia, Stella; great-grandchildren Melia, Melina, Calaysia, Anthony and Aaliyah; brother-in-law, Stuart; many other family members and friends. Born in Boise, ID she grew up in Hermiston, Oregon. She was a graduate of the University of Oregon and earned a master’s degree at Indiana University. Her 43-year career spanned positions from teaching Government and Economics in high school to a life-long passion in local government. Bobbi became President and Executive Director of the St. Paul League of Women Voters (LWV) from 1983 - 1985. Bobbi’s passion for her beloved neighborhood led to her become Community Organizer for the Saint Anthony Park Community Council until 1993. She later ran for St. Paul City Council for Ward 4 and was elected in 1993 serving two terms. Setting her sights even higher, she entered the race twice for the Mayor of Saint Paul in 1997 and 2001. After city government, Bobbi returned to teaching as Adjunct Professor at Metropolitan State University in Political Science. She then went on to become Executive Director of Kids Voting St. Paul until 2007. Bobbi’s leadership earned many distinguished awards through the St. Paul LWV, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, Ramsey County Bar Association, and the Midway YMCA. Bobbi remained active with the Midway Y with whose community board, she served both as member 1998 – 2011, and chair 2003 – 2005. She and her late husband, Bob, were avid travelers. Their adventures took them to Iran, England, China, and most often, Mexico, where they spent over two decades in retirement years appreciating the people, language and culture. During the summer, she enjoyed trips to the North Shore to read, relax and spend time with family. She loved cooking and hosting holiday gatherings, as well as the enjoying the arts by supporting the Guthrie, Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Opera. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the League of Women Voters Minnesota in Bobbi's memory. Bobbi was a passionate advocate for democracy and believed strongly in the power of informed and engaged citizens and active participation in the democratic process, irrespective of political affiliations. Supporting the League of Women Voters was a cause close to her heart, and she dedicated her time to fostering positive change in our community. Donations can be made online at https://www.lwvmn.org, or checks may be sent to League of Women Voters Minnesota, 546 Rice Street, Suite 200, St. Paul MN 55103. Please make checks payable to 'League of Women Voters Minnesota' with 'Roberta Megard Memorial' in the memo line, or YMCA of the North, 1761 University Avenue West, St. Paul 55104 c/o Megard /Tranberry Endowment Fund, attention David Dominick. Arrangements by Cremation Society of MN. Information about a celebration of Bobbi's life will be forthcoming.