Mary Ellen Roach
Born In: New Waterford
Born: November 23rd, 1921
Mary Ellen Roach, 93 (Nov. 23, 1921), of Melville Gardens, Halifax, formerly of New Waterford, N.S., passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family.
She was the only daughter of the late Julia Gallivan and Patrick Roach.
She was predeceased by her elder brother, Joseph A. Roach MD (Sept. 5, 2005).
Mary was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teacher's College and St. FX University, where she earned a Masters degree in Education. Throughout her long career of 45 years, she taught middle school at Mt. Carmel and assumed the principalship there for several years. In 1973-74, she was elected and served as president of the Nova Scotia Teacher's Union. She retired in the early 1980s from her position as curriculum supervisor of New Waterford schools.
Mary was a committed member of the Roman Catholic Church in the former parish of Mt. Carmel, where she was involved in various committees at the local church level. Mary loved researching her Irish Heritage and working in her garden which produced beautiful posies of many varieties.
Mary is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Roach, Melville Lodge; two nieces, Cecilia M. Roach and Mary E. (George) Lerikos; two nephews, Patrick Roach and John Roach; two grandnieces and four grandnephews.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery, New Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
A heartfelt thanks to all the staff of Melville Gardens for the seven years of professional care and kindness shown towards Mary. It was greatly appreciated.
