Nora Anne Roche

We regret to announce the passing of (Nora) Anne Roche: nee Fogarty, of Sydney.

Anne died at home after a mercifully short illness surrounded by her children. She was born on April 14, 1942 to Helen and William (Breezer) Fogarty of Whitney Pier.

In life Anne could only be described as a free spirit. She lived by her own set of rules and wasn't one to conform very easily. She was as tough as they came and was afraid of very little. By the time the youngest of six siblings came along in the Fogarty household Anne decided, like so many Maritimers, that it was time to hit the road in search of new adventures. She ended her journey in the Boston states boarding with our Uncle Danny Mac Donald and Anne's favorite person...his wife Anne. No sooner had she settled into the work life she found herself married with four kids. After all the dust had settled Anne became the epitome of a dual citizen, sharing her time between the U.S. and Canada. She would get home sick...travel to Cape Breton, settle down, just in time to pull up stakes and head south to New England. While there, she became part of the college crowd. Upon return here she found that maybe the old neighborhood wasn't quite ready for her progressive culture. This led to her becoming a mainstay in the local music, acting and arts community. As a happy result her children spent a lot of time with us on the Island, so that we were able to spend a lot of time together and become very close. Anne is survived by her four children, Jim Roche Jr. (Lauren), Bill Roche (Lisa), Lisa Roche and Stephen Roche, (Kathy) and their children. Along with 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings, Myrna (late Ken Brown), Carmella (late John Murphy), Gerald Fogarty (Mary Brufatto), Gen MacLeod (Kevin Primmer) Marj Fogarty (late Bill Fogarty) and Dan Fogarty (Sherry). She was predeceased by her parents and brother Bill. The family would like to thank Dr. Susan MacLeod for the special attention she provided for Anne during her illness. Also the V.O.N. coordinators and staff who made it possible for Anne to be comfortable at home.

We would also like to give special mention to her close companions Gerard Ongo and Sherry Fogarty who brought stimulating conversation and uproarious laughter into her home several times a week. Arrangements are being handled by Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Every Woman's Center in Sydney.