Mary Alice Roche

Mary Alice Roche was born in Hartford, Connecticut on November 20, 1925. She was the daughter of Dr. Arthur Felix Roche and Mary Alice Pugh Roche of Hartford. Mary Alice fondly remembered a comfortable, happy childhood in Hartford with her parents and younger brother, Arthur, Jr. She spent summers with her grandmother and aunts in Bristol, Connecticut, and often spoke of attending St. Anne’s Novena there every July. A deep Catholic faith took root in these early years and inspired a lifetime of love and service to others. An accomplished scholar, Mary Alice graduated from Mt. Holyoke University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. During her studies there she became active in campus ministry, and was introduced to St. Francis of Assisi while taking a history class. This began her lifelong dedication to Franciscan teachings. After graduating from Mt. Holyoke, Mary Alice attended the University of Chicago and earned a Masters degree in Social Service Administration. She served for many years as a counselor in the fields of both Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, and Child Welfare. She enjoyed travel, particularly trips to Ireland and Italy. Mary Alice settled in Longwood, Florida after her retirement in order to be close to her brother, Arthur, and his family, and became an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church. She also worked as a data entry specialist for the Longwood Police Department, receiving a volunteer service award in 2014. Many know the tightly knit network of drivers who gladly shuttled Mary Alice to work, meetings, prayer vigils and mass on a daily basis. The flame at the center of Mary’s heart was always her faith. She was professed as a Secular Franciscan on October 7, 1962, and transferred into the St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity in 1973. Guided by the Holy Spirit in all matters, Mary Alice was a beacon of light and faith for the Roche family, and all that she met and knew. Mary Alice is preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Felix Roche, Jr. and his wife Ellen. She is survived by a niece, Ellen Roche Annis, and nephews, Gary, Jeff and Art Roche. She will also be missed by her great-nieces and nephews, Kenneth, Shannon, Samantha, Veronica, William, Jeffrey, Maggie, Arthur, John and two great-great-nephews, Shaun and Ryan. Mary Alice was the living embodiment of the Holy Spirit walking among us- never resting, always loving. We commend her into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ and ask for her continued guidance.

Mary Alice Roche

November 20, 1925 - September 9, 2015