Sally Roche

Sally U. (Fairbanks) Roche, 83, passed away Sept. 24 at Boston Medical Center after a period of declining health. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Raymond V. Roche Sr.

She also is survived by her three children, Raymond Roche Jr. and wife Grace of Uxbridge, Theresa Clifton and husband Bruce of Mendon, and Cheryl Bedard and husband Greg of Uxbridge; five grandchildren, Mathew Bedard and wife Allie of Hudson, New Hampshire, Jennifer D’Agostino and husband Domenic of Uxbridge, Stephanie Clifton and fiancé Ray Pemberton of Uxbridge, Shawn Clifton and girlfriend Dena Lombardi of Mendon, and Andrew Roche of Uxbridge; her great-granddaughter Madelyn Rose; two siblings, Arthur “Art” Fairbanks and wife Anne of Hopkinton, and Madeline Ledin of Rockland; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brother Robert Fairbanks.

Born in Canton on Oct. 27, 1938, she was the daughter of Alfred and Madeline (Martin) Fairbanks, and grew up in Hopkinton.

A graduate of Hopkinton High School Class of 1956, Sally was a homemaker but also worked at St.’s General Store and Lynch’s, both in Uxbridge, and Donut Hole in Mendon. She enjoyed staying home to raise her children and worked as a crossing guard at her children’s school. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, and was happy to help care for them when they were children.

Over the years Sally enjoyed traveling the country with her Ray in their motorhome and spending winters in Florida, especially St. Petersburg, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Always active, she enjoyed walking, bike riding, crafting and spending time with her grandkids.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Sally’s life on Friday, Oct. 14, from noon-4 p.m. at VFW Post 1385, 13, Cross Road, Uxbridge, for all who would like to attend. Services are under the care of the Jackman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund, kidneyfund.org, or the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797.

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