Doris May Roach

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Bishop Montgomery High School

Doris Roach Obituary

April 6, 1926 - June 13, 2022 Doris May (Sommer) Roach was born in Wadsworth, Ohio on April 6, 1926, to Charles Wesley Sommer and Martha Tanner Sommer. She passed away peacefully on June 13th with family by her side in the house she built with her husband more than 60 years ago. She attended Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio where this beautiful homecoming queen met the love of her life, Tom Roach. They were married the day after graduation and left for their new life in California the following day with no jobs and little cash in their pockets. They settled in Westchester, then quickly moved to the Hollywood Riviera as their family grew. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before Tom's passing in 2010. Doris is survived by her children, Tom (Nancy), Jim (Anne-Marie), Katie (Jeff), Charlie (Barbara), daughter-in-law Pam, Marion (Jimmy), Kevin (Tina), Tim (Melissa), Patty, and daughter-in-law Beth. She was blessed with 20 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Tom, sons Bob and Steve and son-in-law Nader. Doris was known for her kindness and welcoming spirit and had a wonderful life filled with loving family and friends. She was a respected educator and high school administrator at Bishop Montgomery High School, a devout Catholic and volunteer at her beloved St. Lawrence Parish and the Torrance Pregnancy Help Center. She was an avid reader and was grateful to the El Retiro Library staff for keeping her supplied with books each week. She traveled the world with Tom after their retirement and they both loved leading tours to Ireland. She was a loving and supportive mother to her 10 children, their spouses, and grandchildren, always acknowledging special occasions with a card and check, even as the recipients began having grandkids of their own. Our heartfelt thanks to Mom's caregivers Jen and Len. These beautiful ladies provided four years of excellent professional care and loving attention to Mom. We will be forever grateful for their support. We will celebrate her life at a funeral mass on July 1, 2022, at 10 am at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to a charity of your choice.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Jun. 26, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Roach

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10 Entries

Noreen Garin Helvie

March 12, 2025

Mrs. Roach was my favorite Acctg. Teacher. Her friendly smile was so warm & caring. I will never forget her. My only regret is I was not able to invite her to one of the many reunions I organized. She is such a beautiful soul & great example of God's good & faithful servant. My deepest condolences to her family. God bless.

Donald Held

April 26, 2023

My sincere condolences to the entire Roach family. Steve was a kind friend and teammate of mine. Peace to you all.

Denise Hellinga

August 30, 2022

Doris was a faithful friend to our dear neighbors The Olivers. She brought communion each week and talked of times past with them, always brightening their day. We are sorry for your great loss. Paul and Denise Hellinga

Kathy Donahue Baaden & Steve Baaden

July 6, 2022

Mrs. Roach was a bright light in this world. She had a beautiful, kind, giving, and cheerful heart. She was a good and faithful servant. Her goodness and smile are forever in our hearts. We send our deepest condolences and keep you in our prayers for peace, comfort, strength, and love during this sorrowful time. God bless you all.

Kirk Rossberg

June 27, 2022

Mrs. Roach was friends with my mom for many years. She was always very kind to me when she was helping out at Bishop Montgomery. I wish the entire Roach family peace.

Duffy Brierley

June 26, 2022

I have fond memories of the time I spent at the Roach's house on El Retiro park. Chuck was one of my school friends at St Lawrence and Bishop Montgomery. During these times, Mrs Roach was always very nice and supportive. My condolences to the entire family.

Maureen McSweeney Gill

June 26, 2022

Doris was one of my Mother´s dearest friends and since Mom passed away in 2016 Doris made room for the whole McSweeney six kids as well as her owe ten! We are so grateful she was in our lives so long. We will miss Doris but know she and Mom and Dad and Tom are in heaven together. We were a lucky bunch to have our Parents and so lucky to have had Doris as long as we did

Patti doinoff berardino

June 26, 2022

Dear katie, jim, and all roach family,
So sorry about your mother's passing.
What an amazing lady.
She is reunited with your father..
Prayers for all of you at such a difficult time.

Sincerely,

Patti doinoff berardino

Kathy Browning

June 26, 2022

What a lovely lady! You are all so blessed to have had her in your lives for so long. I'm sure she will be missed greatly. I know she was much loved at BMHS. My sincere condolences. May she Rest In Peace.

Rick and Gail Rodono

June 26, 2022

I was blessed to have Mrs. Roach as a teacher at Bishop. Even more of a blessing was getting to know her and Mr. Roach by talking with them after Mass. Mrs. Roach was a positive influence on everyone she came to know.

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