Roberta

Polton

Cedar Grove chapel:

Roberta "Bobbie" Polton

August 23, 1948– May 23, 2026

Roberta Polton, lovingly known as Bobbie, passed away on May 23, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 76 years old and had been a cherished resident of the Montclair–Glen Ridge area for forty years.

Bobbie was married to Richard Polton for nearly 56 years, and together they built a fulfilling and deeply happy life. The couple wed immediately after graduating college, both at age 21, and over the years made their home in Providence, RI; Brooklyn, NY; and Montclair and Glen Ridge, NJ. Bobbie embraced each community wholeheartedly, forming lasting friendships that spanned every chapter of her life—giving her daughters a rich network of honorary aunts and uncles wherever they lived.

A lifelong educator, Bobbie devoted herself to early childhood education, teaching in the Bloomfield Public Schools for over thirty years. Her classrooms were places of joy and creativity, filled with the warmth of her homemade Play-Doh.

In retirement, Bobbie channeled her creativity into the arts, volunteering with nonprofits that brought creative programs to communities throughout Essex County. She became a prolific collage artist, specializing in "found object" works whose exhibitions were shown across Essex and Passaic Counties. She was also an active and beloved member of the collage group at the Montclair Art Museum.

Bobbie had a distinctive and memorable presence—her short silver hair, warm smile, and colorful glasses made her a recognizable and beloved figure around town. She took genuine delight in being greeted by former students, their parents, favorite shopkeepers, and neighbors wherever she went.

Though not a professional chef, Bobbie was an accomplished and celebrated home cook. She was featured in The Montclair Times for her inventive family dinners, won the Taste of Montclair cooking contest, and more recently took top honors at a Chili Cook-Off fundraiser for Toni's Kitchen. At any gathering, guests could count on her signature Toffee Bars and Apricot Squares.

Bobbie loved traveling with Richard and her family—exploring new destinations and returning year after year to favorite beach towns, where she was happiest reading, spending time with her extended circle of friends and family, and shopping for clothes for herself, her daughters, and grandchildren. Bobbie struggled to manage her mood changes and depression. In her later years, she was increasingly challenged but remained determined. Her family was of great support.

Bobbie is survived by her husband Richard; her daughter Maya, son-in-law Eric Handelsman, and grandchildren Jake, Henry, and Emma; her daughter Maddy, son-in-law Paul Criscuolo, and grandchildren Sadie and Louisa; her daughter Rachael, son-in-law John Reynolds, and granddaughter Chloe; as well as a brother, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, cousins, and the many dear friends who became part of her family over the years.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Ner Tamid, 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bobbie's name to the Montclair Art Museum, Toni's Kitchen, or arts programs at local senior housing communities.