Roberta Terese Kane O’Sullivan passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 13, surrounded by family and friends. We all knew her as Berta, or just Bert. She was born November 18, 1964, the youngest of six children, to Barney and Marianna Kane. She graduated from Fletcher HS in 1982 and University of Florida, 1988. Berta’s family was always the center of her life, growing up in Atlantic Beach, FL, her home was always a welcoming place for anyone who walked in the front door.
She brought light, literally and figuratively, to people around the world as she made friends with everyone she met and maintained so many of those friendships throughout her life. Her compassion
wasn’t just for people, her many pets throughout the years lived happy lives, including her three cats.
Her early career was a happy time: climbing scaffolding and lighting shows, entertaining the world. She organized one of the first lights shows at Universal theme park when it opened in Orlando. She spotlighted the performers in Cirque de Soleil. She toured the world with the bands, The Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, and several other acts. She approached life with the attitude of “I can do it Myself” including bleeding the brakes on her car when needed. Berta’s sense of style (her refrigerator closet) and humor often defied the conventional and highlighted the creativity and sense of individuality that drew so many to her. The definite light of Berta’s life are her sons Connor and Cian. They brought her joy and comfort every day.
She is survived by her husband Joe, sons Connor and Cian, Mother Marianna, her brothers Philip (Kathleen) and Gerard (Anne); sisters Ellen Cage (Colin) and Marian Kane (Chris Van
Hoof); sister-in-law Joann Kane; nine nieces and nephews and many dear friends who have so many great stories to share. She was predeceased by her father Barney and brother Steven.
A viewing will be held at Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 3rd St. S, Jacksonville Beach, FL on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 523 Pablo Ave., Jacksonville Beach, FL on Wednesday, September 20 at 12:00 p.m.
Please visit her online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com.