Obituary published on Legacy.com by Heald Funeral Home - Saint Albans on Oct. 21, 2025.
Kathryn Ann Rocque, lovingly known as Kaye, peacefully passed away Saturday morning at the University of Vermont Medical Center with her family by her side.
Born on November 27, 1933, in Jefferson, New Hampshire, Kaye later made Vermont her home, where she met the love of her life, Maurice Rocque. They married in 1954 and together raised four children on their family dairy farm - a place that reflected their shared values of hard work, faith, and family.
Among all the jobs that came with running a busy farm, Kaye also devoted herself to the community as a school bus driver for 46 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 82. She safely delivered generations of children to and from school - each one greeted with her warm smile and kind words to start their day. Students quickly learned that Mrs. Rocque ruled her bus with love, fairness, and the unmistakable power of her "look" in the rearview mirror. Her dedication and longevity behind the wheel earned her recognition many times in the local newspaper - a reflection of the deep respect and affection her community held for her.
Kaye was also a breast-cancer survivor, facing her diagnosis with courage and grace. Having walked that difficult path herself, she made it her mission to support and encourage other women through their own journeys - always offering words of strength, hope, and compassion.
Creative by nature, Kaye loved painting, ceramics, and any project that let her bring color and beauty into the world. She was also an exceptional baker, known especially for her homemade pies and rich, creamy cheesecakes that became family favorites and holiday traditions. Her artistic touch - whether in her artwork, her baking, or her warm hospitality - could be found throughout her home and in the many gifts she made for friends and loved ones. She also had a spirited interest in local and state politics, often opening her farmhouse to host meet-and-greet gatherings with Vermont governors and community leaders.
For many years, Kaye lived with her daughter Katina, her husband Jody, and their children, surrounded by love and laughter - along with two devoted German Shepherds, Lucy and Bernie, who never left her side. They were her constant companions and loyal "bodyguards," faithfully keeping watch over their favorite person.
Her warmth, quiet strength, and steady presence touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She found joy in the simple things - a well-kept home, a good cup of coffee, and time spent with family and friends. She loved watching the birds outside her window and keeping an eye on the many "critters" that visited her yard - especially Foxy - delighting in every squirrel, chipmunk, and deer that stopped by to say hello.
She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Loretta Cameron; her brothers Angus Cameron and Oscar Cameron; and her sister Millicent "Millie" Martin. She was also predeceased by her sisters-in-law Mona Cameron, Hazel Cameron, Thelma Barker, and Lucille Taylor; brothers-in-law Leon "Pepper" Martin and George "Bubby" Potter; her beloved husband, Maurice Rocque; and her grandson, Jonathan Dahlgren.
She is survived by her four children: Alesia White (Sam), Randy Rocque (Janet), Paul Rocque (Robert), and Katina Tatro (Jody); and her cherished grandchildren and their significant others: Thomasina, Joshua, Justin, Adam, Brittany, Jessica, Nicholas, Delaney, and Cameron. She also leaves behind her adored great-grandchildren: Brandon, Duncan, Meghan, Callan, Hailey, Luca, and Lewis; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will continue to cherish her love, laughter, and example.
Kaye shared a special lifelong bond with Gina Clark, who was like another daughter and an important part of the Rocque family's story. She is also survived by her dear friend Pat Baker, whose friendship brought her great comfort, joy, and laughter through the years, and by close family friend Danny Lang.
Kaye's family asks that memorials in her name be made to the Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadow,
St. Albans, Vermont 05478.
Kaye's family will receive family and friends on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 10AM to 12 Noon at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main Street, St. Albans.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 27th, at 12:30 PM at Holy Angels Church, 245 Lake Street, St. Albans. Prayers of committal will follow at the St. Albans Bay Cemetery.
Her love, kindness, and quiet strength will continue to guide us every day.
Honored to be serving the family of Kaye Rocque is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
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