Therese Gallagher Roche, West Scranton, died Tuesday morning at home surrounded by her loving children. She was the widow of Paul J. Roche, Sr. who died on March 10, 2011.
Born September 25, 1934 in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Irene Scanlon Gallagher. She was a 1952 graduate of the former South Catholic High School and was a faithful member of the St. Ann’s Basilica Parish. Upon graduation from high school Therese took on the role of caregiver to her younger siblings as her mother was suffering from cancer. Therese was a talented and gifted seamstress. She created everything from play clothes to communion attire for her daughters and other family members. She soon gained a word of mouth following and created wedding and special occasion attire for others. Utilizing these talents, she worked in the custom drapery department at Matthews Paint Store. She went on to work at the Mercy Hospital in the housekeeping department where she retired in 1998.
Surviving are daughters Mary Roche Redel and her husband Thomas of Peckville and Jacqueline Roche, with whom she resided; a son Paul “PJ” Roche, Jr. of West Scranton; Brother in law Francis Roche, Scranton; her beloved “grand fur-baby” Casey; nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was also preceded in death by twin brothers Thomas and Joseph Gallagher; sisters Margaret Fitzpatrick and Aileen Gallagher; and sister in laws Margaret A. Roche, Catherine Dougherty and Veronica Honald.
The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to Dr. Darlene Dunay, Old Forge, for her excellent care given to Therese over many years.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 11am in St Ann’s Basilica 1230 St. Ann’s Street, West Scranton.
Friends may call Friday morning from 10am until time of Mass at the church.
All CDC recommendations will observed.
Interment, Cathedral Cemetery
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.
To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com
Frank Massara
Mary, Jackie & PJ, I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. God Bless
Ann Marie McLaughlin McHugh
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was truly a lovely woman with a wonderful family. I will remember the nice times we had at family weddings. My sincere condolences to your family!❤️
Mary Roche Redel
Ann Marie,
Thank you for your kind words. She was a kind soul who enjoyed all the little things that mattered. She was always happy when we were at the same table with your family at weddings. She always mentioned you and wondered if you were working at the candy shop when we drove by the shop in Peckville.