SOUTH PORTLAND — Mary E. Roche, 91, died peacefully March 24 at the South Portland Nursing Home, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 20, 1922, the daughter of Harold T. and Grace Griffin Keating. She attended local schools.

During her younger years, she worked for many of the downtown businesses in Portland including Hayes Drug Store, Lafayette Hotel, Porteous, Mitchell & Braun and Rines Department Store. She retired from Data General in 1984 after working for more than 10 years as an electrical inspector. Having never owned a car, she was an avid walker. She enjoyed traveling and camping at Lake Pemaquid for many years. Her greatest love, however, was spending time surrounded by her family and friends especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Jayson Roche; and two daughters-in-law, Marylou Roche and Betsy Roche.

She is survived by two daughters, Patricia Sawyer, of Portland, and Cynthia and husband, Michael Fletcher, of South Portland; two sons, Thomas Roche Sr., of Westbrook and James Roche, of Brewer; sister, Virginia Haskell, of South Portland; brother, Edward Keating, of Portland; seven grandchildren, Linda Martel, Suzanne Sawyer, Thomas Roche Jr., Susan Burton, Jeanne Sloan, Heidi Clark and Jenny Fletcher; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held March 27, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel. A funeral service followed at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

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