Dec. 31, 1949 – Jan. 16, 2024
Hudson – On January 16th, Nancy D. (Denny) Roche passed away, after her courageous battle with cancer while surrounded by the love of her family.
Nancy, born on December 31st, 1949, in Brookline, MA, was the cherished second child and first daughter of F. Edmund & Dorothy Denny of Brookline. The family moved to their forever home in Sudbury, MA, in the mid-1950s, where Nancy grew up in an idyllic childhood with her brothers. She attended Sudbury’s public schools and actively participated in field hockey.
After graduating from Lincoln Sudbury High School in 1967, she pursued secretarial studies at the Chandler School in Boston. Following her graduation, she dedicated her career to New England Telephone Company, navigating through the industry’s mergers and name changes. In 1979, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and due to its progression, she took early retirement from Verizon in 2006.
In 1976, Nancy married Stephen M. Roche, and they established their home in Hudson, MA, where they lovingly raised their sons, Jeff and David. Nancy actively engaged in volunteer programs with the Hudson Home & School Association throughout her sons’ education. An avid Boston sports fan, Nancy cheered on her teams with her brothers and sons. Summers were spent with family in Newport, RI, where she cultivated lasting friendships.
After caring for her husband Stephen’s battle with cancer, she lost him in 2001. She then turned her care towards her aging parents until their ultimate passings.
Nancy’s life epitomized care and commitment to family and close friends. Her incredibly strong bonds with her parents, her brothers and her sons are a testament to her capacity to care for others even despite her own needs as her battle with MS progressed. Welcoming the births of her granddaughters Emersyn and Ariella brought joy and a feminine touch to her otherwise all-male family. In 2021, she moved to Artisan at Hudson Assisted Living, forming stronger friendships with fellow residents.
In the spring of 2023, Nancy faced a new challenge with a cancer diagnosis. Nancy’s resilience in the face of her declining health was unwavering. Her unique way of making everyone feel special endured up until her last days.
Today, she is survived by her beloved sons Jeffrey D. Roche of Wilmington, MA, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Emersyn, and David M. Roche of Litchfield, NH, his wife Cheryl Goodwin Roche, and their daughter Ariella. She is also survived by her dearest brother Peter E. Denny of Topsfield, MA and his partner, Danielle Cincotti, as well as her late brother Robert E. Denny’s partner, Laurel Perkins of Arrowsic, ME, and his daughter Sarah Denny of Portland, OR. Nancy is remembered by her dear cousins, extended family, and cherished friends, particularly Rose Galofaro and Celine Johnson.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am on Friday, January 26th, 2024 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery located on Broad Street, Hudson, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MS Foundation.
