Carolyn Ann Roche
Carolyn Ann Roche, 65, of Santa Barbara, CA passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018 after a heroic two and a half year battle with Cancer. Carolyn was truly a “Princess Warrior” who battled to the end and never gave up. Her mantra was “I can beat this, I am going to be OK”.
Carolyn was born in Waterloo, Iowa on August 5, 1953, a daughter of Kenneth F. May and Helene May.
Carolyn is survived by her mother Helene May, her husband of 42 years Theodore K. Roche IV as well as her son Shaun Michael Roche, her daughter Kellie Ann Roche Clenet, son-in-law Damien Clenet and granddaughter Coco May Clenet, all of Santa Barbara, CA. Additional family members that preceded her in death include her father, Kenneth F May, her sister Michelle May and her brother Kevin J. May.
Other survivors include her grandson (to be) Cash Clenet, nephews Simon Blanco and Tyler May and niece Joanna Means. Carolyn is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention.
Carolyn was a longtime resident of Santa Barbara. Her Mom & Dad were eager to leave the cold winters of her birthplace in Iowa, and when Carolyn was a very young girl the family moved to California. They originally settled in Corona, CA and then in 1969 the family moved to Santa Barbara. Carolyn graduated from San Marcos High School in 1971. After high school she first worked at a Doctor’s office where she found her passion for nursing, and the seed was planted which grew into the dream and eventual reality of her becoming a Registered Nurse.
Carolyn was fun loving, a true sun goddess with a beautiful smile who loved the beach and as a young woman enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Hawaii. In 1973 she began a life-long relationship with her soon to be husband, Ted Roche. They were married in 1977, which began a life-long love story. Carolyn was a fantastic person; a caring wife, a devoted mother to her children, a supportive daughter to her widowed Mother, a life partner and a fiercely loyal friend to many. She was unselfish, always giving and thinking of her children and husband first. Their life together took them to live in many places including Scotland, New Zealand, Alaska and Louisiana, but always coming home to Santa Barbara.
While living in Alaska, Carolyn obtained her Nursing Degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
She worked as a Registered Nurse for almost 20 years working at Providence Hospital in Alaska, Goleta Valley and Cottage Hospitals here in Santa Barbara. She also worked for 12 years at Associated Hand Surgeons here in town.
Ultimately, the most important thing in Carolyn’s heart was her devotion to her family. She was most proud of her son Shaun, daughter Kellie, nephews Simon and Tyler and niece Joanna. They always came first. Carolyn was also a role model and “Hanai” mother to many, many others. She had a big heart and accepted all. Her keen advice and non-judgmental guidance helped numerous friends and family members along the way. Her house was always open to friends and family, and was the location for countless parties and numerous celebrations. When you heard that there was a “party at the Roche’s” you knew it was going to be a good time.
Carolyn will truly be missed by many. While there will forever be a hole in our hearts, and regret for the memories that we were unable to make, we are thankful for the time we spent together and will cherish the many memories we did create.
There will be a Celebration of Carolyn’s Life, open to all, commencing at 2 PM on Sunday, November 18, 2018 located at the Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Bring your smiles and your love to celebrate a life well-lived.
In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be sent to either of the following charitable
organizations: Stand Up for Cancer, St Jude’s or Heal the Ocean.