Paula R DesRoche

Paula R. (Belanger) DesRoche, 83, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston. Born on April 8, 1942, in South Berwick, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Eugene Belanger and Gilberte Gagnon. Paula had a deep love for travel, which led her and her family to explore many places together. She also had a passion for cooking that brought her great joy-especially when hosting Thanksgiving, a tradition she upheld for more than 25 years. Her homemade bread and the "crunchy things" in her stuffing will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. A woman of many talents, Paula was an avid reader, a devoted crocheter-her afghans were legendary at Yankee swaps-and a fiercely competitive card player. In true adventurous spirit, she earned her motorcycle license at the age of 45. Though never the loudest in the room, Paula had a magnetic presence. She cherished time with her family, no matter how far she had to travel to be with them. Her wonderful sense of humor, animated storytelling, and expressive hand gestures made every moment more memorable. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering warmth. Paula was predeceased by her two sons, Stephen and Scott DesRoche; great-granddaughter, Hazel; and sister, Diane Belanger. She is survived by her devoted husband, Peter E. DesRoche of Methuen; loving daughter, Cheryl Levesque and her husband, Eric of Concord, NH; siblings, Danny Belanger and his wife, Dottie of PA, Cindy Duval and her husband, Ron of Manchester, NH, Linda Picard and her husband, Ralph of Bedford, NH, Rita LaFlamme and her partner, Robin of Manchester, NH, Donna McMaster and her husband, John of Manchester, NH; adored two grandchildren, PJ of Bristol, NH, and Samm and her husband, David of Pembroke, NH; and two great-grandchildren, Elodie and Everlee; and many extended family and friends. Relatives and guest are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. Immediately following calling hours a funeral service will begin at 4:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the DesRoche family.