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Mary Roach Obituary
Mary Wilkinson Roach passed away May 11, 2012, at her home in Spring, Texas. Born November 5, 1935, in Coleman County, Texas, Mary was a fifth-generation descendent of Central West Texas pioneers. She graduated from Coleman High School in 1954.
Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin, where she met the love of her life, Francis Aubra "Jack" Roach. They married December 22, 1956. She earned a Master of Arts in Modern European History from Sam Houston State University and Master of Education in Secondary Administration from the University of Houston. She pursued a career in education, teaching in Athens, Georgia and then Spring Woods High School in Houston, Texas, but it will be her extraordinary, 44-year tenure at Tomball High School in Tomball, Texas for which she will be most fondly remembered.
Preceded in death by her parents, Alva Lee and Ruth Ethel Tisdale Wilkinson of Coleman, her husband Jack, and sons Jonathan Gibson Roach and Robert Wilkinson Roach, Mary is survived by brothers Donald Wilkinson of Coleman, and Tom Wilkinson of Roundup, Montana, and nieces Lezli Martin and Janet Pierce and their families, as well as numerous cousins and friends, including many, many former students who became friends.
Mary Roach dedicated her life to public education, saying, "Teaching is an act of faith. You have to believe that teenagers are going to grow up and become productive, decent people and productive citizens, and they almost invariably do."
A memorial service celebrating Mary's life and dedication to education will take place Sunday, June 3, 2012, in the auditorium of Tomball High School, 30330 Quinn Road, Tomball, Texas, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Per her request, the Mary Wilkinson Roach Scholarship has been established to aid Tomball High School graduates wishing to pursue a teaching career. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward the scholarship at any Regions Bank location.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Roach
Liz Scheibe
June 14, 2012
She was a human encyclopedia, with no tolerance for nonsense. Her goal as a teacher was to stomp out the ignorance in today's youth; she may have not gotten around the entire youth population, but she ensured that her students were ignorance free.
Roach class of 08
Byron Harrison
June 4, 2012
She was proud of me. That was hard for me to accept at the time but now I am glad she showed it. When I told her I enlisted in the Air Force and that I had a daughter she left her class in the middle of lecture and we went and took pictures in the PhotoJ lab. That picture is hanging at my desk and it will travel with me on deployments, TDY's and Station moves. I will never forget you and I will tell my children about your influence on my life.
Class of 2008.
Janice Lynn Roach
June 3, 2012
Mary was my cousin by marriage, having married my 1st cousin Dr. F.A. "Jack" Roach when I was in the 6th grade. What a lady! Though I never had her as a teacher in school, nonetheless, I learned a great deal from her. Unfortunately we have no one left in our family who could have let me know of her passing, and I was doing genealogy research when I stumbled upon her obituary. I missed her memorial by less than a day.
I am a teacher, too, and I realize the depth in the posts of those of you who were her students. As a member of her family I personally thank each of you for your kind, heartfelt words which I know she would deeply treasure.
Alex Emsley (THS c/o 1995)
June 3, 2012
Mes Roach singlehandedly prepared me for college and adulthood. She held you accountable, expected your best work 100% of the time & pulled no punches. If you were being an idiot, she let you know it - usually by requiring you to "hold her hand" while she sat & lectured.
I am saddened that an era has ended with Mrs Roach's passing - she was a unique teacher, a unique woman, a unique person. One of the most fearless & tenacious people I've ever met. The world is a worse place for her no longer being in it.
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Fred Class of '92
June 3, 2012
She was the best, an inspiration to all, and will be missed.
Rosemary Bouse
June 2, 2012
Mrs. Roach brought a certain light to all things she touched. When you sat in her classroom you could not help but be captivated by the history of the world she so vividly told. Years after leaving her classroom, sitting across a dinner table the light was still there as we talked and laughed for hours about the world today. She was a gift in my life acting as a mentor and friend years beyond my high school days. She will be sorely missed and remembered fondly. I am grateful to have known her and been touched by her presence.
Jennifer Cook-Meineke
May 31, 2012
Mrs. Roach is the woman who really cultivated my current love for History. The one who inspired me (a total slacker to take an AP European History class. It's no surprise she's been an inspiration to so many.
May 29, 2012
Mrs. Roach was the finest teacher I have ever had and inspired me to be a teacher myself. I'm deeply saddened by this news and my thoughts to out to her family.
Jack Brown
May 29, 2012
My friendship with Mary Roach dates from 1958, when her husband, Jack, was my lab partner in an undergraduate Atomic Physics class at the University of Texas. That friendship continued in graduate school, the years when the Roaches lived in Athens, GA, and when they returned to Texas. It is clear from reading the testimonials of her Tomball High students that she had a big impact on their lives. Mary also had an impact on my life when she gave me THE BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED (concerning marriage choices) while we were in graduate school. My wife and I look forward to being at the memorial service at Tomball High.
Olevia T
May 28, 2012
Sorry to read of the loss of such a wonderful person Reading the many wonderful comments (MS.Roach)Ecclesiastes 7:1 state "A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born". Especially when one make a name for themselves and this is what Ms. Roach did she will be missed but the good she did will live on in the heart of those who knew and love her, May the love of God comfort and sustain you now and in days to come. Warm Christian love to the family.
Vickie Stanley
May 27, 2012
I was fortunate enough to have Mary as a world history teacher, and blessed to have her as a friend for nearly 30 years. She has left a legacy, that will probably never be forgotten,of her deeds,her heart,and her fearlessness.When I think of Mary, I'm reminded of a quote from American author,Jack London: "I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet." Mary was indeed a "superb meteor". And to quote my friend...."You KNOW I love you."
John Bellosillo
May 25, 2012
Mrs. Roach was definitely the best teacher at THS. I'm privileged to have had her as a teacher, I had her during my sophomore year of high school and my favorite time was the field trip we went on to learn about all the different religions. I loved how she taught everything from memory, that was just amazing to me. I was truly blessed to have experienced her as a teacher. She also taught me to never give up and always work hard and do your best. The Source was definitely not one of my favorite books to ever read cause it was such a long book, but it was an interesting read.
Class of 2008
Steven Tea
May 25, 2012
I miss you so much.
Leah Pace Lanier
May 25, 2012
Mrs. Roach was such an inspiration to me as a teacher at Tomball High School. She was tough, she was fair and she prepared me for college more than any other teacher did. I actually spoke with her last year and she remembered myself as well as my siblings Lynn, Woody and Mike. I'll always remember the days we celebrated Greece in class. We will miss you Mrs. Roach and will always appreciate what you did for many students at THS!!
Darlene Estrada
May 25, 2012
Mrs. Roach was an inspiration to me and she taught me to accept myself for who I was and to appreciate the talents that I was given. She made me realize that teachers do care and that we too should care about the whole world becuase it's not all about our own worlds. Mrs. Roach will be missed but continues to live on in our memories.
Lawanda Murphy
May 23, 2012
Mrs. Roach.
was just an inspiration of hope and perserverance. She did what she loved to do, till the end. Her dedication to education was surreal. She lived her LIFE to the fullest. Happy, continent, and fun-loving!!
Beth Blackwell, Class of 1977
May 22, 2012
Mrs. Roach was the reason I learned to love world history and still do to this day. She inspired me, to reach for not only the stars but beyond. You knew when she meant business, but also had a wonderful sense of humor. To the family of Mrs. Roach, how lucky you were to have a wife, mother, sister, aunt as great as she was. Rest in peace Mrs. Roach, but we all know that you are already teaching in heaven. God Speed.
Huy Nguyen
May 22, 2012
My graduating class of 2009 was unfortunate to only have her for only one semester, but the 2006-2007 school year was one of the highlights of her life. After her cancer diagnosis during the school year, we learned that she was not only the most wonderful teacher; she was also one heck of a stomping warrior.
Tara Luedke-Mora
May 22, 2012
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Roach's family. She was truly the most amazing lady around. Her legacy lives through many of us who sat through her World History lectures. I learned more in that one class than I did in any other course I had in high school or college. She will be missed by many but rest assure her legacy will live on for many many more generations. Rest in Peace Mrs. Roach.
Cindy Clements Hamann
May 21, 2012
When asked who was the teacher that made a difference in your life? I would say Mary Roach. Her current event folders and her Roaches Raiders are fond memories. Mary, may you rest in peace and know that you are loved and touched my life!
Melanie Smith-Bell
May 21, 2012
I am just one of very many people who appreciate that Mrs. Roach has shaped my life in countless ways. I can't imagine who I would be without her encouragement and friendship. She had a down-to-earth elegance about her, and a wickedly funny sense of humor that made her a joy to be around. I remember her with students buzzing around her like gnats. She planted an enthusiasm for learning and treated her students with respect. We thrived on it. A truly great lady. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
May 21, 2012
Mrs. Roach was a remarkable teacher. In 1988/89 she transformed my thinking, broadened my horizons and guided me along, with much needed firmness at times, through a critical juncture. To this day I remember her world history lectures, which were more like stories out of a best-selling novel. I never did thank her for all that she did for me, but her legacy lives on, as I have passed on to my children what she taught me. My deepest sympathies to the family. Rest assured that Mrs. Roach's impact will live on for generations.
John Havlick
Bangalore, India
Eileen Garza
May 20, 2012
I will miss seeing Mrs. Roach. Her caring way and high expectations for her students helped them reach higher. What a legacy!!! God bless the family.
Jennifer Montalbano
May 20, 2012
Mrs.Roach will always be my favorite teacher I never got the chance to thank you for all you have done for me. You have impacted me in so many ways you have lead me through many things good and bad thank you for always being there and thank you for making me a person to make a difference in the future. I love you, I'm going to miss your warm hugs in the morning Rest In Peace
John Toreson
May 20, 2012
Mary,may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I will miss doing your projects both at home and on the farm. Most of all, I will miss you Mary.I hope you find that special guardian angle to do those projects up above.
Denise Barcelona
May 20, 2012
Mrs. Roach was my favorite teacher on the planet. She will be SO missed. She cared so much about all her students. Really a sad day. I will always remember you Mrs. Roach!
May 20, 2012
Mrs. Roach was my favorite teacher on the planet. She will be SO missed. She cared so much about all her students. Really a sad day. I will always remember you Mrs. Roach!
Tina Dulaney
May 20, 2012
Mrs. Roach will always be a teacher that I will remember for her dedication to all of her students. She easily shared her faith in her students and encouraged their thinking and growth in their studies.
She will truly be missed.
Keith Coe
May 20, 2012
I had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Roach for over thirty years. My two sons also were her students in recent years. Rest in peace, Mrs. Roach. Your legacy lives on in the thousands of students you taught in 44 years at THS.
Melissa Wells
May 20, 2012
Rest in Peace Mrs. Roach. I picture you in the arms of the Lord right now. I always loved you and will never forget you.
Charlie Jones
May 20, 2012
Mrs. "Aunt Mary" Roach was a teacher and a friend. She touched my life 15 years ago and changed it forever. I am a better person because of her and I am forever grateful. She taught from memory not a textbook and thought the State should stay out of her ability to do so. No book could ever recount history the way she could. I will miss her and carry her legacy forward.
Sherry Hughes
May 20, 2012
Mrs. Roach... Everyone's teacher...what a legacy she leaves at Tomball High School
Dena Trochesset Clement
May 20, 2012
As a former Tomball resident and THS graduate, I was so sad to hear of her passing. The world of teachers is missing a true trailblazer...
Sherri Sanford
May 20, 2012
There are no words to adequately express how very sad it makes me that not only has the world lost a truly exceptional teacher, but I have lost one of the most deeply valued friendships I will ever be honored to have. I love you, MR, and I will miss you terribly.
Jennifer Swick
May 20, 2012
Our Deepest Condolences to the family. Mrs. Roach was an inspiration to us both - as a teacher and friend - and we will never forget her.
Jennifer & David Swick
May 20, 2012
Thank you for all that you did to inspire our children. You were one of a kind!
The Robert Shell Family
Alex Rodriguez
May 20, 2012
My condolences to the family,and to Tomball High and all future students who will not benefit from her experiences,her stories on history were the best.SHE WILL BE MISSED.
May 20, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family,and to Tomball High and any future students who will never get to enjoy her wisdom and wit,SHE WAS THE BEST AND WILL BE MISSED.
Kate Caffrey Lacy
May 20, 2012
The woman responsible for "Stomping out Ignorance" will be missed dearly, she is an inspiration to all she touched.
Elizabeth J. York
May 20, 2012
Although I have only known you for the past 4 years, I, like so many others, fell in love with you and your dedication to all young adults at our Tomball High School. You will be missed.
Glenda Schultz Haynes
May 18, 2012
My deepest condolences to the family. Mary was a major force in my life, encouraging me to recognize and use my talents. Her contributions will live on through the lives of many.
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