Mary Evelyn (Lemieux) Roche, 81, wife of Robert A. Roche, passed away surrounded by her loving family at Massachusetts General Hospital on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Born and raised in Haverhill, she was the daughter of James and Evelyn Francis. She was a graduate of St. James High School in Haverhill, Class of 1955. She then graduated from Salem State College with a bachelor’s degree in education. At the start of her career she taught at the Haverhill Moody and Tilton elementary schools. She continued her career with her love of teaching as the Developmental Reading Lab Coordinator at Northern Essex Community College, where she exceled and was recognized with emeritus status at the college’s commencement in 2005; and was presented with the NISOD Award in May 2006 for her extraordinary work.
In addition to her parents, Mary is predeceased by her father Albert V. Lemieux, brother Albert V. Lemieux Jr., her sister-in-law Donna M. (Roche) Walsh, her son Richard J. Roche, and grandsons, Connor and Edward Opolski and Christopher Roche.
Mary was a dedicated mother first and foremost to her own children and a second mother to many. She always had a welcoming smile and genuine interest in everyone she met. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as “Mum”, grandmother to 23 grandchildren. She had a warm personality and always made people feel special in their own way.
She is survived by 8 of her 9 children: Robert P. Roche and his wife Laura of Haverhill, Daniel T. Roche of Bradford, John M. Roche and his wife Ellen of Haverhill, Laureen M. Opolski and her husband John of Haverhill, Kathleen M. Clark and her husband Thomas of Bradford, James F. Roche and his wife Holly of Bradford, Mary E. O’Neil and her husband Colin of Haverhill and Thomas E. Roche and his wife Nancy of Bradford. Her loving grandchildren include: Amanda, Shannon, Bobby, John Michael, Charlie, Catherine, Stefan, Ian, Maggie, Evan, Meghan, Matthew, Molly, Shain, Seamus, Patrick, Colin, Kathleen, Phelan and Thomas, great-grandchildren Lily Peters and John Michael Roche III, her sister-in-law Eileen C. Roche of Hampstead, NH, and Noreen Grady, her best friend, who she loved like a sister.
The Roche family would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the incredible staff of Massachusetts General Hospital. We would like to especially thank Dr. Sunu Thomas along with the doctors and nurses of the Cardiac Care Unit who provided exceptional care with compassion and dignity.
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