Marie Frances Roche, 80, passed away at her home on March 29, 2025. Marie was born in Columbus, WI on October 3, 1944 to John and Frances (Schwarz) Hein, and grew up on their farm, where she learned the value of hard work and family values. She married Joseph Roche on October 10, 1964 at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Together, they were blessed with 60 years of marriage and exemplified strong values of faith, family, and farming, raising six sons in the Town of Elba, WI.

Marie was devoted to her family and a best friend to all. She will be remembered as someone that would always share a pie with others, bake and play card games with her grandchildren, give sound advice, and help out anyone that needed it. Marie and Joe were able to travel the world making many pilgrimages, along with visiting family and friends. The door to the Roche home was always open with Marie often making new friends on her trips then inviting many to stay with their family to experience farm life. Marie loved spending her days with early morning water aerobics classes, daily Mass, playing Bridge, biking with her lady friends, and volunteering at the Prairie Ridge gift shop and the St Vincent De Paul store.

Marie dedicated her Fridays to a cherished tradition of spending time with her grandchildren creating countless memories filled with ice cream, love, and laughter. Joe and Marie attended many of the grandchildren's events whether they were near or far, showing their unwavering pride and support in their family

She was a member of St. Columbkille Church and Altar Society, Tri Parish Prayer Circle, St. Vincent de Paul Society. Throughout Marie's life she made sure that her family knew how important prayer and having faith are. With her strong convictions, unwavering belief, and love of our Lord, she was able to fight a courageous battle with ovarian cancer for eight years.  She remained a beacon of faith and and strength through her final days

Marie's memory will live on in those who loved her, including her husband Joe Roche; sons, Joseph (Paula) Roche, Kevin (Tracy) Roche, Brian (Kathy) Roche, Dennis (Amy) Roche, Michael (Diana) Roche, David (Jacki) Roche; and their families which includes 29 grandchildren-27 of whom are still with us-and 3 great grandchildren.  Marie was like a second mother to many, especially her nephew; Tom (Anne) Hein and their family; sisters, Monica (Dave) McKenna, Jeannine Wolski, Rosalie Vermeire, Marilyn Hein; brothers John Hein Jr. Joseph (Cindy) Hein,and James Hein; along with many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents-John and Frances Hein, grandson-Daniel Roche, and granddaughter-Theresa Roche.

Marie's legacy of faith, love, and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed.

Thank you to Bristol Hospice Care, Dr. Ryan Spencer, and everyone who offered prayers and support throughout the years.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6th from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Jensen Funeral & Cremation, Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 A.M. at St Columbkille Church, with visitation from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., with the family hosting a Rosary at 9 A.M. Interment will be at St. Columbkille Cemetery. The family will host food and fellowship at their farm shop on Roche Road, all are invited.

Memorials may be made to:

The 101 Foundation - Roman Catholic Marian Educational| 101 Foundation

NPH Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Serves Vulnerable Children

or the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Marie's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com