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BORN
1941
DIED
2019
Judith Roche Obituary
Judith Louise Roche passed peacefully in her Leschi home, surrounded by family, on November 14, 2019. Born September 9, 1941 to Aline and Lawrence Nault, Judith grew up in Detroit with her two beloved sisters, Marilyn and Lorraine. She moved to Washington State as a young woman in 1967. Judith was a teacher, poet, and author of four collections of poetry. She received an American Book Award in 2007; taught poetry at Seattle U., Cornish College, and the Richard Hugo House; and was a founding member of the Red Sky Poetry Theater. Judith also worked in collaboration with visual artists on several public arts projects around the Seattle area, and as the Literary Arts Director for One Reel from 1986 - 2005.
Judith is survived by her children, Tari, and Robin; her grandchildren, Sahara and Gabriella; her sisters and their families; and the many friends and students whose lives she touched.
A Celebration of Life will be hosted on January 5th, at
Jack Straw Cultural Center (4261 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle 98105) and another being arranged at Richard Hugo House. Her light burned bright, and she will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Judith to: L'Arche of Seattle, PO BOX 22023, Seattle, WA 98122.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judith Roche
Sponsored by The Family.
Robin Lindley
December 1, 2019
Judith was an encouraging and inspiring poet and teacher. She will be missed. In sympathy, Robin Lindley, a former student (circa 1985).
Priscilla Long
November 30, 2019
Judith was a fine poet and a wonderful teacher. Her passing leaves a great hole in our community. Goodbye, Judith, goodbye.
Laura Bennett
November 29, 2019
I first met Judith at Bumbershoot in the early '90s. We crossed paths many times over the years. Recently, at a poetry reading on the Eastside, we discovered we had Persephone in common. Persephone, and the salmon cycle.
I always felt such warmth from Judith. She blessed the community with her poetry, intellect, wisdom, and fire. Rest in Power, Judith. Thank you for bringing us light.
Michael Schein
November 27, 2019
Judith was a friend to many, a powerful poet and a great open heart for NW poetry. We were fortunate to have her on the LiTFUSE faculty in 2009, where she taught a session on "Eternal Persons of the Poem: Writing from Myth & Fairy Tales." & now she has joined the eternal. From her marvelous "Wisdom of the Body" book: "You learn to breathe through your wounds / and breath lets in light." & she did, and she does evermore.
Claudia Mauro
November 26, 2019
So much love and gratitude for you Judith
November 22, 2019
May Allah bless her peaceful soul in heaven...
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