Joann Mara Roach

Joann Mara Roach passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at the age of 85. Joann was born on March 11, 1936 in New Orleans, LA. Joann was married on May 17, 1958 to the love of her life, the late John W. Roach Jr., who passed away April 29, 2019. She was the beloved mother of Maryellen Roach Leger (Kevin) and John Martin Roach (Raquel), daughter of the late Ella Wirth Mara and Martin Henry Mara, daughter-in-law of the late Nellie Hymel Roach and John W. Roach Sr., sister of Ellen Mara Couvillion (Ronald), sister-in-law of Delores Breaux (late Hard Sr.), Kathleen Legnon (late Everett), Robert Roach and the late Jerry Roach, James Roach and Richard Roach (Carol), proud grandmother of Kevin Leger Jr. (Katie), Kelsey Roach, Michelle Leger Panepinto (Steven), Madeline Leger, Raquel Roach and Angela Roach, godmother of Sylvia Muller Bruno and Michael Couvillion. She is survived by and fondly remembered by her nieces, Pam, Cheryl and Nicole, nephews, Harold Jr., Ron, Michael, Jerry and Ryan, cousins and dear friends.

Joann went to Holy Angels Academy from kindergarten to graduation. After marrying John Roach just a few years later, Joann moved to Arabi, LA where she was very involved at St. Robert Bellarmine’s Mother’s Club and Carolyn Park Boosters. She worked at Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Orleans Parish District Attorney (Harry Connick’s) office and retired from Murphy Oil USA. She moved to Metairie, LA after losing her home in Hurricane Katrina. She mastered the love and affection for spoiling her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and was so, so proud of all their accomplishments. Joann was a pillar of courage, strength and a wonderful example of what it means to care for others.

A visitation for Joann will be held on Thursday July 22, 2021 from 11 AM – 1 PM at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St. Chalmette, LA 70043, with a Funeral Service to follow at 1 PM at St. Bernard Mem. Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow her services at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.