Phyllis Marie Roche, 82, shuffled off this mortal coil on Sunday, July 13, 2025, succumbing to a kidney disease. Her family mourns her loss. The long awaited first child of Philip Leo Roche and Frances Isabella Roche (née O’Brien), she was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 10, 1943. Phyllis was a loving daughter, elder sister, aunt, great-aunt, niece, and cousin. Raised in the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, she spent many happy summers down the shore with her family and friends on Beach Haven, NJ. She is survived by three brothers, Michael (Kathy), Brien, Patrick (Cindy), sister-in-law Kay, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and other relatives. A strong woman, she had a care for everyone. Her family could count on her support in their hour of need. She will be missed.

Phyllis was a proud alumna of St. Martin of Tours School, Little Flower High School, and Chestnut Hill College. She often spoke about how her education transformed her life. Learning and sharing knowledge with others was her life’s calling. She became a teacher in the Camden City, NJ public schools in the late 1960’s. As a highly intelligent and honorable person, in her long career as a dedicated, talented teacher and school librarian she helped many young people learn and grow. Miss Roche taught children at Bonsall School for many years. Continuously learning, she earned two masters degrees in education and library science from Rutgers University. In the early 1990’s she built and taught in a state of the art school library and computer media center at the new Riletta Twyne Cream School. She served as a mentor to young educators and helped negotiate union contracts for teachers in the district. During these years, she resided in Maple Shade and Marlton, NJ. She stayed in touch with many former colleagues and students and was truly delighted to hear news about their lives.

Phyllis enjoyed her retirement in Sunset Beach, NC, spending quality time with friends, gardening, and making greeting cards. As a loyal fan of Philadelphia teams, the recent Eagles Super Bowl win was a highlight of the year. She volunteered in her Sandpiper Bay neighborhood and church communities, writing newsletters, giving free tech support, and running a book club. Everywhere she lived and worked throughout her life, she was a true friend to many, and a good neighbor. She had an exuberant sense of style and loved color. Always curious, she was an avid reader, good with computers, and enjoyed art. Phyllis left the world a more beautiful place than she found it. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the churches listed.

Funeral Masses are planned in both of her home towns for her family and friends: 

-Sunset Beach, NC, at Saint Brendan The Navigator Catholic Church, 5101 Ocean Highway W. Shallotte, NC  28470 on Monday, July 28th at 10AM.                

-Philadelphia, PA at Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19124 on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 11AM.