Passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Monday, December 15, 2025, in her 87th year. Beloved wife of the late Ronald Philip “Phil” Roberts (1992). Loving mother of Mary Girouard (Martin), and Dr. Doug Roberts. Cherished grandmother of Sylvio Patrick Girouard and Joseph Eric Girouard. Dear sister of Valda Louise Thompson (late Charles) and the late Alan Karl Barnes (1981). Loved aunt of Valerie Grace Sjovall (John).
Born in St. Thomas, ON, February 11, 1939, Alma was a daughter of the late Karl and Catherine (née Smith) Barnes. She trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. Alma held A.R.C.T. Performance Degrees in piano and pipe organ. She studied with renowned teachers and clinicians such as David Brewster, and Pierre Souvairain at the University of Toronto, John Wood, Gordon Atkinson, and Barrie Cabena, in London, and took pedagogy courses at The University of Western Ontario from Margaret and Clifford Poole and Clifford Von Kuster.
For many years, Alma taught piano, organ and theory at Alma College, St. Thomas. Later she taught at the St. Thomas Academy of Music and at her home studio. She played at churches, public schools, funeral homes throughout the community and for services at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Alma also played for the St. Thomas Youth Choir when they travelled to Germany, Holland, England, France, Scotland and Wales. She was the assistant organist and accompanist for the Senior Choir at Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas. Alma also enjoyed singing with the Fanshawe Chorus London (under direction of Gerald Fagan) and the Robert Towers Singers. She volunteered to play for choirs at the Regional Mental Health Hospital Christmas and Easter tableaux, and for the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, particularly the Music Festival and arranging music for their Tour of Homes. Alma was also a long time representative for R.C.M. examinations in St. Thomas and area.
Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Alma’s life will be announced at a later date. If so desired, please consider a memorial donation to the London Health Sciences Foundation (re: Cancer Research at Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre) or Animal Aide of St. Thomas-Elgin. Arrangements are entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).
