Obituary of Kathryn Lucy Roach

Kathryn L. Welch Roach was born March 27, 1924, to the late Joseph & Bessie Welch in New Brunswick, NJ.  She was the 8^th child out of nine children born into the family of two boys and 7 girls.  She grew up in New Brunswick, NJ. Kathryn was predeceased by her husband of 40 years Harmon Roach. Beloved grandson Kyle Vinson.

She attended school in New Brunswick and was active playing basketball and baseball.  Kathryn once hit a baseball from the High School on to Lee Ave.   She worked hard at everything she put her hand to.  Upon reaching the age of 18 and after High School graduation she left for New York City where she worked for the Internal Revenue Service. 

Kathryn volunteered for the United Fund and one faithful day while volunteering at Ebenezer Baptist Church she was introduced to Herman Roach.  The two courted and were married in 1948.   

Kathryn and Herman welcomed their oldest son Roland in 1951 and he would be followed by twins Charlene and Darlene and then the youngest son Edward Herman. 

Kathryn was very active in her community as PTA President, Band Mom, helping out with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  In later years she served as the President of the Ebonette’s based in Metchuen, NJ.  She helped to organize the Men of Tomorrow and worked to raise scholarship funds for young men and women to attend college.   

Kathryn worked for the National Council of Boy Scouts starting in the mail room and rose to the ranks as Supervisor of the Supply Division. Upon reaching retirement in 1980 she had attained the level of Senior Correspondent in the Credit Department.   

Retirement didn’t mean to sit back and relax. Kathryn provided quality child care in her home for many families.  She volunteered at the Piscataway Regional Day School for Special Needs Children.  She took piano lessons, painted pictures and enjoyed catering.  She joined the Piscataway Senior Center and was member of the Senior Advisory Commission.  

There she learned mahjong and was an expert Bridge player.

Kathryn was a member of St. Albans Episcopal Church from an early age. She was active in her commitment to God and served faithfully. She was the last living Founding member of the St. Theresa Guild.   She belonged to the Episcopal Church Women’s Organization.  Throughout her church life she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served on the Radical Hospitality Committee just to name of few. 

She was a strong and loving mother. As a grandmother she has been a source of encouragement and a voice of reason.  She made the best bread pudding and was a gifted seamstress.

Kathryn is survived by her children Roland Roach of Edison, NJ, Charlene Vinson (Leon) of Boston, Massachusetts, Darlene Branche (Leonard) of Hanover, New Hampshire, Edward Roach (Patricia) Plainfield, NJ, 1^st Grandson, but like a son Roland Jr. (Dorothy) of Piscataway, NJ.

Celebrating a great legacy are Kathryn’s grandchildren Roland, Rolanda, Courtney, Ashleigh, Subhana, Edmond, Marquettes, Stephon, Brianna, Eddie, Colin, Drake, Andra, Aaron. Granddaughters in law’s Dorothy, Erin, Ebony, Diamond and 21 great grandchildren.  

We are grateful for everything our mother has ever taught us and all the ways she loved us. We say thank you and we celebrate 99 years for God’s gift of Kathryn to us. There is a famous quote that says “It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years” and thankfully

Kathryn was blessed to have both.