Sylvia H. Roach

She was originally from Lake City, TN, where she was born on June 8, 1933. She remained a member of Island Ford Church in Lake City, continuing to remember and keep in touch with church friends far away. Currently she attended Christian Life Assembly of God and Shiremanstown 1st Church of God.

She was the widow of James L. Roach, to whom she was married for 40 years before his death in 1992.

Sylvia was a loving, caring woman who was devoted to her family. She and her husband James spent their lives investing in the lives of many others. Their hospitality to one and all was generosity at its best, and the phrase "always room for 1 more" was common in their household, as they hosted ministers, missionaries, backyard Bible clubs, church groups, family and friends. They also participated in the "Fresh Air Program" during the late 1960's by hosting several inner city children from New York during the summer. Sylvia not only raised her 6 children, but 2 of her grandchildren, and cared for 5 foster babies as well. She also spent almost 10 years as a childcare provider for several children and was retired from Hattie Harris Markets as a manager after 35 years of service.

Before going to the home of daughter Lula and son-in-law Michael, she spent 11/2 years in the home of her son James and daughter-in-law Sharon, her devoted caregiver. During that time she worked steadily at crocheting 35 baby blankets and lap robes she intended to give out at Christmas time to Capitol Area Pregnancy Center and Frey Village residents. Sylvia's thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness was well known and will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her sister, Peggy Caylor; brothers, Joe M. Halcomb, Billy R. Halcomb and Clyde Burris, Jr.; and grandson, Christopher Fisher.

Surviving are her mother, Ada Reed (100); her sister, Mary L. Ellison, both of Lake City, TN and sister Dorothy Smith of Greencastle; brothers, Tommy Burris and Joe Burris of Lake City, TN; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Halcomb of Chattanooga, TN. Her children, Margaret E. Fisher-Sewiliam (Galal) of Middletown, Richard L. Roach of Reading, Barbara D. Grove of Carlisle, James A. Roach (Sharon) of Mechanicsburg, Lula D. Kozenskie-Mika (Michael) of Etters, and Philip L. Roach of Harrisburg. Grandchildren Dan Fisher, Jeremy Roach, Michael Grove, Rebecca Wert, Robert Kozenskie II, Dana Kozenskie, who was a live in caregiver to her "Grammy" for several years, Tony Mika, Mason Roach, Dave Roush, Stacy Dorwart, Lisa Shindel, and Aaron Jockers; 26 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and several "grand-pets".

Funeral services will be Monday, September 16, 2013, 10:00 a.m., at Zimmerman-Auer Funeral Home, Inc., 4100 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA. Viewing will be from 9-10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Graveside service will follow the funeral at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Harrisburg.