University Times

Longtime staff member in the Office of the University Registrar Roberta “Bobbie” Mae Bates died unexpectedly in her Brighton Heights home Sept. 9, 2011. She was 61.

A graduate of North Hills High School, Bates spent her entire 43-year Pitt career in the Registrar’s office, where she served in several capacities, including a stint in the satellite office once located in Scaife Hall. In recent years she served as the supervisor of graduation and at the time of her death was the archived records manager in charge of current and past student records.

She also was involved with the upkeep of the University’s bulletins and its NCAA certification.

Bates was a member of the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Officers of Admission and served as that organization’s video librarian.

Bates’s supervisor, assistant University registrar Madalyn Turner-Dickerson, said, “In addition to being an excellent employee, Bobbie was also a kind-hearted and sweet-natured person and a good friend.”

An example of Bates’s generosity, Turner-Dickerson said, occurred on her last day of work, Sept. 8, the day before she died.

“Sometimes Bobbie and I treated each other to breakfast. She had bought us breakfast but the restaurant worker had failed to include the item that she bought for me. Upon discovering this, she offered to share what she had bought for herself with me. She was just that kind of person.”

Later that day, Bates requested a vacation day for Sept. 9, Turner-Dickerson, said. “As unfortunate as her death was, I felt God in the midst of things, because He allowed her to spend her last day on Earth with her animals and a sister, all of whom she loved very much, rather than at work where she could have collapsed. This brought solace to me and I shared this chain of events with the staff to comfort them.”

Pattie Carmen, a longtime co-worker and friend, said, “Bobbie was a valued member of the University Registrar’s office family for over 40 years. She was a friend to all of us and her presence and friendship will be greatly missed.”

Her colleagues said Bates was a dedicated animal lover who considered her cat Sarah Jane and her dogs Bello and Petey to be her pride and joy.

Many of Bates’s outside activities were centered around animals. A member of the Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club in Greater Pittsburgh, she had served as an instructor for dog training classes. She also had been involved in dog therapy at nursing homes and senior citizen centers. Sometimes she included craft therapy in her visits to these facilities.

Bates also loved collecting dolls, especially LeeAnn dolls. She belonged to various doll organizations, including some that met in cyberspace.

Bates is survived by her siblings Laverne M. Young, Lynette M. Baca and Jeffery A. Bates; nephew William Young, and niece Rebecca Young.

Memorial donations are suggested to Spencer and Friends Animal Rescue, 515 California Ave., Pittsburgh 15202.

—Peter Hart