Roberta "Bobby" "Nana" Wawra Houston

Richfield – Bobby ‘Nana’ Wawra Houston age 83 passed peacefully in her own home on 11.15.25. She lived 56 years in South Minneapolis and transitioned to assisted living after receiving a diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia. Despite the physical and mental deterioration, Nana’s rosy cheeks and bright smile showed through during visits with her. This is how her friends and family will remember her.

Nana loved her independence and routines. She once walked to her favorite morning coffee restaurant, formerly King Oscars in Richfield, when the roads were impassable due to a winter storm. Her morning coffee routine with a faithful group of friends started when her kids were young and continued after the kids were adults. Later in life, she also enjoyed coffee and reading every day at a coffee shop. Nana loved Sunday morning breakfasts out. They began as a morning out for a family friend (Polly Vanderhoof) after Nana’s own mother passed and evolved into a family event with her spouse and/or her children with grandkids. Nana also enjoyed staying busy with creative outlets. She completed knit, crochet, and needle work projects. She is best known for her Christmas sequin calendars and gifting crochet ivory blankets to all family members as wedding gifts. Her greatest joy came from her grandkids. Nana helped care for her grandkids while their parents worked. The kids always joined her life, not the other way around. They would join her morning coffee groups, walks around the Mall of America, and morning mass. She also became their chauffeur to and from school and appointments.

She was born to George and Margaret Wawra, formerly of Minneapolis. Nana was the first born of four children. She attended Rosevelt High School and after graduation worked at a bank on Lake Street. She married Gene Houston also from Minneapolis. After marriage, her full-time role became manager of the house, kids, and later the grandkids.

Proceeded in death by George and Margaret Wawra (parents) and Peter Houston (son); survived by her spouse Gene, children (3), son-in-law (1), grandsons (5), granddaughters (4), siblings and their spouses (6), and many nieces and nephews with their spouses and children. She was a lifelong Catholic. The visitation and memorial services are at her childhood church home, Helena Church, 3204 E. 43rd St. in Minneapolis 55406. Schedule; Visitation 10:00 AM, Service 11:00 AM, Luncheon 12:00 PM, and Burial at Resurrection Cemetery at 1:30 PM.