Marie Roughan

Marie Roughan obituary, Altadena, CA

Marie Roughan

Marie Roughan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 11, 2025.
Marie Denise Roughan, 76, of Altadena, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep after bravely battling leukemia, under the compassionate care of City of Hope. Her two sons, William and Robert Bligh, were at her bedside.

Born May 4 in Eagle Rock to Rose and Michael Roughan, Marie graduated from St. Paul's High School in Santa Fe Springs. She earned an MFA in Creative Writing from California State University before pursuing studies in film and screenwriting at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1994, she toured Europe with the U.S. Equestrian Team and her beloved horse, Gladly.

Marie was an artist and radiant presence who possessed a divine playfulness, one that disarms tyrants and delights babes. She faced a giant disease, armed with her joyful humility, and maintained the edge in her final adventure.

She is survived by her sons, four beloved grandchildren, and many loved ones, including lifelong friends. She leaves behind the gratitude of a life well-lived and has gracefully ascended to greener pastures and the open arms of her spiritual family.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club. Kindly RSVP to [email protected] to attend.

Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. Andrew's Church in Pasadena.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GreeneLight Foundation, 3300 Winona Ave., Burbank, CA 91504.

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Marie Roughan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 21, 2025

Tom & Ursula posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Elaine McCracken posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Robert Liljenwall posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Tom & Ursula

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Elaine McCracken

June 20, 2025

I was deeply saddened to hear that Marie had passed away from Leukemia. Marie was such a great travel buddy and friend-- fun, funny, smart, patient. And she did possess a certain charm with the occasional tyrant. Her compassion and kindness put others at ease. I'm attaching a photo of Marie in Rome, Italy, March 2022, a Sacred Earth Journey to La Dolce Vita led by author Phil Cousineau. I like to think Marie did live a sweet life on Earth, and she is now with her daughter Jennifer, and other beloveds. My condolences to Bob and Bill and their families.

Robert Liljenwall

June 20, 2025

I met Marie at UCLA in 1997 where I was teaching and she was attending screenwriting classes. As a writer, I wanted to convert my stories into screenplays and didn't know how -- but Marie agreed to help me. Well, that turned out to be life-changing experience -- because we spent nearly a year on one of my short stories, which Marie turned into a magnificent, funny, brilliant screenplay -- "The Sun Also Rises in Tijuana"! A perfectionist, she continued with many re-writes and it just got "funnier and funnier".

We spent a wonderful year together, hosting amazing Super Bowl and Oscar parties, traveling to Mexico and seeing her friends in Northern California and family in the desert. And over the past 25 years, we would regularly meet for breakfast to talk about her latest novel, screenplay, and yes, the frustrations in dealing with the publishing and movie businesses. Her body of work radiates with brilliance -- such a rare gift.

But with all of her devotion to her writing, there was nothing more important than the her intense devotion to her children and grand children. She loved being a "Grandma"!

Yes, our dear Marie left us too soon -- more to write, more to publish, more of her sweet love to spread around. A shock to all of us -- but she will always be with us in our heart, soul, and memories. God Bless Marie. Robert

tracey Cooper

June 14, 2025

I was deeply saddened to hear that Marie has embarked on her final journey. She was a dear friend and longtime tennis partner. We shared many fun-and often challenging-matches together. Her wicked serve was nearly impossible to return, and you always had to watch out for her powerful volley!

As a team captain for several seasons, Marie led with encouragement and heart. She had a way of making everyone feel cherished and supported. Her sense of humor was quick, her knowledge wide-ranging, and her stories always engaging. She loved her children dearly and often spoke with pride and joy about each of them.

Marie will be truly missed-but she will always be in my heart.

Nicola Trwst

June 12, 2025

Marie had a great laugh and used it often. I've read many of her humorous stories and enjoyed her zany sense of humor. Although I haven't seen her for several years, this news came as a shock. My Best Wishes to her family after their loss. I'll remember her laugh.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Cabot & Sons Funeral Home

27 Chestnut St, Pasadena, CA 91103

Make a Donation
in Marie Roughan's name

How to support Marie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marie Roughan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Marie Roughan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 21, 2025

Tom & Ursula posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Elaine McCracken posted to the memorial.

June 20, 2025

Robert Liljenwall posted to the memorial.