Elizabeth LaRoche

1964 - 2015

PETERBOROUGH - Elizabeth "Liz" LaRoche passed away on Nov. 1, 2015, with all the grace and peace she exhibited during her valiant three-year battle with melanoma. She was at the home of her brother, Jay, and surrounded with love by her family and friends.

Liz was born on Aug. 14, 1964, to Paul LaRoche Sr. and Patricia T. (A'Hearn) LaRoche. Liz was born and raised in Peterborough and graduated from Conval High School in 1982. She worked in LaRoche family businesses for several years before beginning a distinguished 20-year career at Staff Development for Educators in Peterborough. Additionally, she was a former member of the Peterborough Fire/Ambulance crew and had been a nursing student until her melanoma diagnosis in 2012.

Liz gave generously of her time and talent, raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society's annual breast cancer walk, purchasing and wrapping gifts for the Salvation Army, and assisting with fundraising efforts for many local charities. Never one to back down, upon Liz's diagnosis, she became involved in several medical trials in an effort to find a cure for melanoma, if not for her, then for future patients. She was a pioneer and first patient in an immunotherapy trial and t-cell programs. Her indomitable spirit was an inspiration to her doctors at Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Lebanon, N.H. and the National Cancer Institute at NIH in Bethesda, Md.

A creative spirit, Liz exhibited artistic talents in flower arranging, calligraphy, and cooking. She especially enjoyed knitting. Her family and friends were the recipients of baby blankets, baby hats, booties, and Christmas stockings, as Liz seized these special occasions and holidays to give of herself. Many a child is wearing Liz's hand-knit apple and pumpkin hats. Liz loved to travel, and especially enjoyed the ocean fronts of Ogunquit, Maine and Bainbridge Island, Wash.

More than anything, Liz loved her family. She especially enjoyed watching the many sports and activities of her 10 nephews and nieces. She is survived by her mother, Patricia LaRoche of Peterborough, her brothers, Paul (Jane) LaRoche Jr. of Peterborough, Marc (Trina) LaRoche of Bainbridge Island, Wash. Joseph "Jay" (Kathy) LaRoche of Bedford, N.H. She was predeceased by her father, Paul LaRoche Sr. in 2008.

In keeping with Liz's generous spirit, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, family and friends "pay it forward" by way of a kind gesture in her loving memory.

There are no calling hours. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, N.H. Father Mike Zgonc will be the Celebrant.

Jellison Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online obituary, or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jellisonfuneralhome.com.