Helen (Duggan) Roach

Helen (Duggan) Roach, 95, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in hospice care onFebruary 26, 2026.Born on September 6, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, Helen was the daughter of the late Charles andBetty (Colberg) Duggan. She was raised in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn along Flatlands Bay — aplace she loved deeply and spoke of often throughout her life.From an early age, Helen was spirited and independent, enjoying life along Flatlands Bay — climbingtrees, playing stickball, crabbing from restored rowboats, and skating across the frozen water inwinter. Those joyful experiences reflected the strength, confidence, and love of community shecarried throughout her life.In 1952, she married James Roach. Together they built a life and raised their family in GerritsenBeach, Brooklyn. James predeceased her in 2014.A devoted Roman Catholic, Helen’s faith remained a steady presence throughout her life. In heryounger years, she sang in her church choir and participated in parish shows.Helen is survived by her loving children and spouses: James Roach (Maria Venezia); Patrick Roach(the late Joan Esposito); Theresa Regan (the late Donald Regan); Mary Pullman (Steve Pullman);Geraldine Ricci; and Eddie Roach (Julie Bogus). She was the proud grandmother of 16grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Stanley and her husband Ronald, along with many lovingnieces, nephews, and friends.In addition to her parents and her husband James, Helen was predeceased by her siblings: CharlesDuggan, John Duggan, Elizabeth Horodyski, and Gertrude Donnelly.Helen passed away on what would have been her husband James’s birthday — a date that holdsdeep meaning for our family.She will be remembered for her strength, independence, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to herfamily.Calling hours will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Brooklawn FuneralHome, 511 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. directly in St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 280 Brook Street, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.