Mary Ellen Roche, 91, passed away peacefully in North Carolina on May 17, 2019.  

Mary Ellen O'Connor was born in Queens, New York on June 30, 1927 to Nora and Dennis O’Connor.  Mary Ellen was always proud to be the oldest of eight beautiful children.  Her family meant everything to her.  

She met Kevin Roche, the love of her life, after his service in the Navy during

WW II. They were married in 1950 and had four children.  The family was raised in New York State and spent many summers and created many happy memories in the Adirondack Mountains.  After the children grew up, Kevin and Mary Ellen moved to Austin, Texas in 1981 where they developed and enjoyed numerous, close friendships.  Mary Ellen was always active in several organizations, including The League of Women Voters, Emmaus in Lakeway, Texas, the Food Pantry in Austin, Texas and the Democratic Club in Lakeway, Texas.   

Mary Ellen leaves behind her three daughters who she adored, Kathleen Roche and partner Peter Moran, Debbie Royster and husband Greg, Mary Ellen Harrison and husband Bret, and one son, Thomas.  She was very proud of her ten grandchildren, Michael and wife Kristen Meloy, Patrick and wife Taylor Harrison, Emily Harrison, twins Sarah and Bridget Harrison, Colleen and Sean Royster,  Joseph and Norah Moran, and Lindsey Roche. She also leaves behind one sister, Peggy Milanese and husband Bill, brother Joseph and wife Elfie O’Connor, sister-in-law Louise O’Connor, brother Tommy and Pat O’Connor, and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. 

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Kevin, her loving sisters, Frances Bingham and Patricia Miceli and her dear brothers, Dennis and Robert O’Connor.

Services will be held for Mary Ellen at a later date when the family can gather for a wonderful celebration of a life well lived to be held at Cranberry Lake in New York State.  

Donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s memory to Amedisys Hospice, 220 New Fidelity Ct, Garner, NC 27529