Carole Marguerite Roach, 91

LA GRANGE, IL – Carole Marguerite Roach, age 91, passed away peacefully in Rhode Island on November 5, 2025, living by her mantra: “Life is a Special Occasion.”

Born in Chicago on September 24, 1934, to Otto and Della Gerke, Carole earned her BSN from the College of St. Teresa (MN) after graduating from St. Scholastica Academy. She raised her family in La Grange, Illinois, working at Colonial Manor Nursing Home, before retiring with her husband, Jim, to Maple City, Michigan, for 30 joyful years.

A dedicated geriatric nurse with plenty of moxie, Carole worked well into her 60s, often walking to Maple Valley Nursing Home to cover last-minute shifts. Carole was "no slouch" and championed many community causes, including the Glen Lake Woman's Club, the Glen Arbor Art Fair, and the Glen Lake Library Board.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James Morton Roach.

She is survived by her sister, Roberta Zeman; children, Jennifer Roach and Michael (Lisa) Roach; grandchildren, Halle Roach and Elizabeth (Andrew) Scheib; and many dear nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in La Grange, Illinois.

A casual Celebration of Life will follow at Palmer Place on LaGrange Rd. from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Deep thanks to the staff at Village House in Newport, Rhode Island, for bringing joy to her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Red Cross are appreciated.