Marion J. Roach

“She had a Love of Song and a Gift for making everyone feel welcome. A true Irish Colleen”

Marion J. Roach, 82, of Paxtang Borough, passed away at home on Monday, May 23, 2011 with her husband and two of her six children at her side. She was born March 19, 1929 in Troy, NY, youngest daughter of six children of the late Harry and Marion (McRedmond) John.

After graduating from Simmons College, Boston MA , Marion worked for Shell Oil Co. in CA. She met her future husband Francis after transferring to New York with Shell. She raised her family on Long Island, while working as a medical receptionist and social worker in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. Marion shared her love of song by joining the Island Hills, NY, Chapter of the SWEET ADELINES singing Women’s Barbershop both with a quartet and chorus. She resided briefly in Wilmington NC with her husband and daughter before moving to Paxtang Borough in 1996 and was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Surviving are her husband of over 55 years, Francis A. “Frank” Roach; children: Monica Roach of Paxtang; Judith E. “Liza” (Roach) Ashburn of Lebanon TN; John of Watervliet NY; Matthew of Sewell NJ; Marion Julia “Mimi” Roach of Harrisburg; (LTC) Patricia Roach US Army. Also surviving is a sister Ruth (John) Ward of California, Neices Elaine (Ward)Russell of CA and Susan (Ward) Johnson of NH; Neices: Meredith “Mimi”(Elerding) Eddy of Ketchikan AK, Mary Jane (Elerding) Rzegocki of Seattle Wa, Michael Elerding of Ketchikan AK; and their families. Sister-in law Eleanor John, niece Pat (John) Saul, nephews Bobby and Edward; and their families. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister Doris Elerding of Seattle Wa, her brother Harry R John and nephew Richard of Baltimore Md; and her brothers William L “Skippy” John and Joseph John both of Troy NY.

She will also be remembered by relatives and friends residing in County Offaly, Ireland.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 am Friday, May 27, 2011 in Holy Family Catholic Church, 25th and Berryhill Sts., Harrisburg. Burial will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A viewing will be held 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thursday, May 26, 2011 in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg, a Prayer Service will be held at 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossings Hospice of the VNA 3315 Derry Street Harrisburg PA 17111