“Anang-gok” (Morning Star)
It is with deep sadness and great sorrow that the family of Delores “Dolly” Roach announces her passing on Monday, May 12, 2008, with her family at her side, after a courageous battle with long-term health issues.
Dolly was born Nov. 1, 1934 (All Saints Day) at Couchiching First Nation. She was united in marriage to Milton Patrick Roach and together they raised their loving family.
Much of our mother’s strength came from the endurance of the many losses that she suffered. Dolly was predeceased by her mother, Clara Mainville (nee Guimond) in 1966; her father, Frederick Mainville in 1990; and her brother, Walter Mainville in 1993.
Mom said that a parent should not outlive their child, yet she mourned the loss of two infant daughters, Karen Lynn “Tammy” and Allyson Clara, and three adult children, Milton “Rocky” in 1973, Pamela Elaine in 1980, and Michael William in 1982.
Mom also said “To lose a grandchild is a test of your faith,” and sadly she endured the passing of her grandchildren, Patrick in 1978, Jonas in 1981, and Angela in 1994.
Because of her profound love of Jesus, Mom endured life in a simple and faith-filled way. In joy, in sadness, in suffering, and in hard times, she always uttered the name of Jesus. And it is this deep faith that tells her story.
Mom was raised at Couchiching First Nation and attended St. Marguerite’s Residential School. She graduated from Grade 12 at the Fort Frances High School.
Mom worked as a waitress, cook, laundress, and a caregiver to children. Her most important life’s work was her divine call to be a missionary in the district, across the country, and in the north.
Mom was tirelessly involved in many worthy causes. She was a member of the C.W.L., a Grey Nun’s Associate, a T.E.C. leader (touching the lives of many youth), and played a key role in the Ontario Native Kateri Conferences, Native Pastoral Seminars, and Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
Dolly also was a pipe carrier and a jingle dress dancer.
Her children grew up watching in admiration her example of tireless dedication to helping others. Mom always was ready to feed and clothe those in need. She visited the sick and prayed for the dying.
Dolly leaves behind to mourn her husband, Patrick; brothers, Deacon Elmer Mainville (Bessie) and Douglas Mainville (Bonnie); sisters, Madeline Tucker, Armaline Mainville, and Sandra Mainville; and children, Deborah (Don) Alleman, Patrick (Kim) Roach, Gail (Ron) LeForte, Dennis (Tracey) Roach, Bonnie Roach, Jonathan Roach, and Terril (David) Strain.
Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, Toby Alleman and Darcy Sullivan; Cherity and Jesse Calder; Marle LeForte, Elissa Kixen, Samuel, Benjamin “Deeds,” and Issac LeForte; John, Michael, and Sally Roach; Alana Stewart, Sara, Courtney, and Cassidy Roach; and Jeremy, Joshua, Mary, and Sarah Strain; and 11 great-grandchildren, Nora Sullivan; Jaxon, Dawson, and Anelynn Calder; Calleigh Calder; Patrick, Toby, and Teddy LeForte; Alfie Kixen; and Rianna and Abi Bruyere.
A mass celebrating Dolly’s life will be held Friday, May 16, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Fr. Francis Pudicherry will officiate, with interment in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery.
Friends may visit Thursday, May 15 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont. Parish prayers will be offered at 7:30 p.m. by Deacon Bob Grynol.
The pallbearers will be her grandsons.
The honourary pallbearers will be Betty Mueller, Mildred Bruyere, Rosie-Jo Bird, Monique Strain, Shirley M. Bruyere, Noella Hamilton, and Josephine Bruyere.
A luncheon will follow at the multi-use facility on Couchiching First Nation.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth,” (3 John:4)
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com
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