Victoria Bernales Roberts, 64, passed away on Monday morning, April 6, 2026, at Renown Regional Medical Center. After facing significant liver complications last year, she was left weakened when she suffered a perforated intestine. Despite five surgeries and every effort to save her, her body—already exhausted by illness—could not keep fighting.
Victoria was an exceptionally kind and gentle soul. She made friends easily—with co-workers and strangers alike—and she rarely spoke an unkind word about anyone. Instinctively, she would go out of her way to help, whether the need was small or great.
She grew up in the villages of Southern Leyte, Philippines, with no electricity and no running water. Her needs in life were simple, yet her smile and laughter were truly unforgettable.
As a teenager, she came to the United States and began working in the restaurant industry, including managing a Philippine restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. She later spent many years at the Century Plaza Hotel as a hostess and barista, where she met her husband, Chef Keith Roberts.
Together, they devoted their lives to the restaurant industry, including owning two restaurants—one in Gardena, California, and one in Southern Leyte. In time, they purchased a retirement home in South Lake Tahoe, which soon became the place they proudly called home full-time.
Victoria leaves behind her loving husband, Keith; her son, Marlon Gomez; and, in the Philippines, her two sisters, Epifania and Gertrudes; and her four brothers, Rogelio, Claudio, Zosimo, and Teodoro—along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Victoria was truly one of God’s greatest creations, and her absence will be deeply felt by many—near and far.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in South Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks. Her funeral will take place in Southern Leyte.