RUMFORD – Barbara A. Roach, 79, started her next journey just before midnight on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Rumford Hospital, with her devoted family reminiscing, singing and praying at her side.

She was born May 23, 1928, in Berlin, N.H. She was the third of seven children born to Victor and Agnes (Goyette) Mortenson. She was educated in the Berlin schools graduating from Berlin High.

She met the love of her life, Edward J. Roach Jr. at the dance hall in Shelborne, N.H. They married on April 3, 1948, nearly 60 years ago.

Many of you will remember her as the office manager for Dr. Bruce Kirn, optometrist. After her retirement, she continued her membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles Aeries 1248, Le Femmes Voiture 613, where she was a past grande presidente. Along with being a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, she enjoyed volunteering with the Maine Special Olympics winter games at Sugarloaf.

Among her favorite enjoyments was spending quality, fun time with her family. She especially enjoyed her summer home at Roxbury Pond. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Parish in Dixfield.

She leaves her husband, Edward Roach of Dixfield; her son, Donald Roach and companion Carol Webb, of West Peru; her daughter, Sue Clark and son-in-law, Jerry; her daughter, Barbara Chambers and husband, Tim, of Roxbury Pond; her son, Richard Roach and wife, Joyce, of Vassalboro; her nine grandchildren, Karen, Joey, and Mary Roach, Shane Clark and wife, Emily, Suzanne (Clark) Legere and husband, Mike, Katie Chambers, Stephanie (Roach) Lafavor and husband, Sam, Monica and Micah Roach; her 10 great-grandchildren, Annie, Emma, Lizzie, Asa, Aidan and Rosa Clark, Nate, Matthew and Alison Legere, and Cameron Lafavor; the best friend a family could have, Elaine Michaud of Mexico; and her brothers and sisters, Warren Mortenson and wife, Patricia, of Massachusetts, Richard Mortenson and wife, Rita, of Florida, Donald Mortenson and wife, Alicia, of Maine, Leona Marchand of Rhode Island, Betty Filiaut and husband, Bob, of Mississippi, and Helen Delargy of South Carolina.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rumford Hospital for their care, concern and compassion.