Roberta M. (Baird) Rebhun

Roberta Rebhun (Baird) left this world on July 6, 2026, in Connecticut at the age of 83.  Born on November 21, 1942, to Irving Baird and Edna Gallagher Baird, Roberta spent most of her life in Connecticut before making Deerfield Beach, Florida, her home for much of the last decade.  

Roberta was the wife of the late Gary Rebhun, with whom she shared more than 30 years of marriage until his passing in 2008. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Brett Rebhun, who passed away in 2017. Brett was the center of Roberta's world, and the love she had for him never wavered. While her family grieves the loss of Roberta, they find comfort in believing she has been reunited with her husband and son once again. Though Roberta will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, compassion, and generosity lives on through her granddaughters, Jasmine Rebhun of Connecticut and Sydney Rebhun of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as her many cousins, dear friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

From an early age, Roberta was known for her beauty, confidence, and unmistakable sense of style. Crowned the very first “Miss West Haven” in her youth, she enjoyed modeling and carried that same grace and glamour with her throughout her life. Roberta had a remarkable ability to turn her passions into her life's work. She owned a bookstore in New Haven, sharing her love of literature and lifelong learning with others.  She was also an accomplished breeder of champion show dogs and a cornerstone in animal rescue, a pursuit that reflected her dedication, patience, and deep love for animals. A Reiki Master with a deeply spiritual soul, Roberta believed in healing, compassion, and living in harmony with the world around her.

A gifted artist, Roberta found joy in expressing herself through painting and brought countless beautiful works to life on canvas. She loved spending time in her gardens, soaking up the sunshine by the pool, traveling to new places, and opening her home to family and friends. Whether entertaining, tending to her gardens, or planning her next vacation, Roberta embraced life with warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm. Animals were among Roberta's greatest joys. She adored all creatures, with a special place in her heart for German Shepherds and Siamese cats, though her compassion knew no bounds. She generously volunteered at a local spay and neuter clinic, dedicating her time to helping animals find healthier, happier lives.

Roberta will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, generous heart, creativity, and unwavering compassion. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, found joy in life's simple pleasures, and possessed an extraordinary ability to find beauty in the world around her. Whether through a kind word, an open door, or her devotion to family and animals, she made the world a little brighter. The love she gave so freely and the memories she created will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Roberta's life on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green, 662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, Connecticut. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven, Connecticut.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in Roberta’s memory to be made to Best Friends Animal Society, www.bestfriends.org.  To share an online message with the Rebhun family please visit our website www.westhavenfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta M. (Baird) Rebhun, please visit our floral store.