Helen Roche

Helen Roche, beloved matriarch, writer and dedicated U. City staffer, died in her sleep the morning of December 29, 2012, at Meadowlands Estates in O'Fallon, MO at the age of 87. She was born in St. Louis on February 7, 1925 to Wyman David (Heisenstein) Elliott and Clara Marie (Kaatmann) Elliott. Having lost her father at age 4, Helen grew up in University City during the Great Depression with her three siblings and a resourceful mother. After graduating from University City Sr. High she pursued further education at Sanford Brown Business School. Her outstanding short hand and typing skills allowed her to find positions with the War Department as she relocated from base to base with her new husband, Melvin "Bud" Lloyd Roche, whom she married on June 19, 1944. Helen continued her education through correspondence, community college courses and the fearless pursuit of new experiences. Artistic endeavors such as sketching and vocal performance were both challenges and passions. While raising her three children she found practical outlets for her skills and interests by participating in the Mother's Club, PTA and the Kitchen Band. These talents also lead to numerous professional performances, including singing at the Chase Park Plaza and a fondly remembered TV appearance on the Charlotte Peters Show. After working for Becktold Co and Lever Brother's, Helen found her career as the executive secretary to the City Manager and the City Attorney of University City, retiring in 1990 after 23 years of service. Helen even tried her hand as business owner, opening Neptune's Treasures, a card and gift shop at The Warf at Lake Saint Louis in 1973. Helen was passionate about writing and was a published author with multiple articles and a book. Helen lived on Melrose Ave in University City until moving to St. Charles, MO, in 1992 to be closer to family. Helen loved to travel and relished a good mystery. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, twins Leona and Wyman, and older sister Wymetta, as well as, her husband Bud and her daughter Carol Sue Green. Helen is survived by her son Mel Roche and his wife Judy, her son-in-law Mike (Sue) Green and her daughter Helena and her husband Don McBee; her seven grandchildren Pam (Brad) Tiner, Michael (Katie) Green, Chris (Alan) Reiser, Don McBee, Jr., Steven (Stephanie) Green, Bo (Madeline) Roche and Jennifer (Josh) Deason; and her nine great-grandchildren Gabbie and Greg Tiner, Ben and Luke Reiser, Addyson and Austin Green, Will and Alex Roche and Owen Deason; and other beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am Friday, January 4, 2013 at Baue Funeral Home, 3950 W. Clay, St. Charles, MO 63301, internment following. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00-8:00 and Friday morning from 9:00-10:00. www.baue.com