Loretta Roche

Mrs. Loretta Roche (nee Crafchun), age 87 and a half (as she liked to add), passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. She will be forever missed by her children, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends. She was selfless and never wanted anyone to fuss over her. She was very giving and loved to do for others.

Loretta was born in Jefferson County, PA and moved to Burlington City, NJ as a child. She graduated from Burlington City High School in 1956. She and her husband, Jim, were married in St. Paul's Church on May 4, 1957. They raised seven children in Burlington Township, where they lived for over 50 years. Loretta later moved to Mt. Laurel in 2015. In addition to being a homemaker, Loretta worked as a secretary at McGuire Military Base, Prudential Insurance, Burlington Coat Factory, Shaner and Iannoccone, and Interfaith Caregivers.

Loretta and Jim enjoyed being snowbirds, spending many winters in Vero Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed the neighborhood activities and warm weather. Loretta loved to sing and dance. She also liked to read and play cards and board games with friends and family. She loved visiting her children to watch football or just sit by the pool and chat. She was always willing to help with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Loretta is survived by her children, Patrick Roche (Kathy) of Odenton, MD, Linda Huller (Ron "Skip") of Sugarloaf, PA, Mickey Roche (Sherry) of Burlington, NJ, Lisa Harding (Patrick) of Burlington, NJ, Sandy Roche of Florence, NJ, Susanne Ernest (Scott) of Rye, CO; son-in-law, Chick Mazzella of Delran, NJ; grandchildren, Tim Roche, Megan (Liam) Kelly, Danielle Bloomer, Sabrina (Steve) McKenna, Michael Roche, Kyle (Bridget) Roche, Brandon (Taryn) Roche, Ashley (Anthony) Fontana, Matthew (Melissa) Mazzella, Rochelle (Nick) Mazzella, Greg Harding, and Brittany Harding; great-grandchildren; Declan and Maeve Kelly, Conor McKenna, Patrick, Hannah, Emma, and Holly Roche, Giovanni and Amalia Fontana, Hudson and Kennedy Mazzella, Vincenzo (and baby on the way) Bellapigna. Loretta is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Miller of Burlington, NJ, Shirley (Bob) Palentchar of Forked River, NJ, brother, John (Judy) Crafchun of Forked River, NJ, and many nieces and nephews. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, John and Pauline (Bankowski) Crafchun, her husband, James Roche, her daughter, Julie Mazzella and brothers-in-law, Bob "Doug" Roche and Hugh Miller.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 20th at Page Funeral Home in Burlington, NJ starting at 9:30 a.m. Immediately following visitation, a mass will be held in St. Paul's Catholic Church, Burlington, NJ at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).org in honor of Loretta's daughter, Julie, would be very much appreciated.