Rev. Roberta A. Yackel

Rev. Roberta A. Yackel, of Syracuse, New York, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 78. She was born on June 5, 1947.

Roberta dedicated her life to ministry, spiritual care, education, and service to others. An ordained Unity Minister, she served congregations in Bloomington, Minnesota; Ottawa, Ontario; and Albany, New York, providing pastoral care, leading worship, teaching, counseling families and individuals, and officiating for weddings, christenings, funerals, and memorial services.

She later continued her calling as a chaplain at Loretto Health & Rehabilitation Center in Syracuse and ElderWood Health Care at Birchwood in Liverpool, offering comfort and support to nursing home residents and their families. She also worked with the Alzheimer’s Association, CNY Chapter, assisting families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and later served as Spiritual Care Director at InterFaith Works of Central New York before retiring in 2016.

Roberta earned a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from State University College at Buffalo and completed her ministerial education at Unity School for Religious Studies in Kansas City, Missouri.

She was predeceased by her parents, Donald Frederick and Doris Yackel, and her sister, Christine M. Yackel. She is survived by her brother, Donald D. Yackel, and sister, Jane Richer, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

The family wish to thank Roberta’s caregivers at Upstate Hospital at Community Memorial and on Fahey 4 at Loretto Health. 

Memorial gifts can be directed to Unity of Syracuse or to Interfaith Works of CNY.

A memorial graveside service will be held at Unity of Syracuse, 300 West Seneca Turnpike, at a future date.