Obituary of Mary Roca

Mary A. (nee Rea) Roca passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, January 22, 2022 and was welcomed into the arms of Our Blessed Mother Mary. Born in Paterson, NJ on October 12, 1931, Mary was the eldest child of John and Marie Rea. She grew up in a big Irish Catholic family where she enjoyed Sunday dinners, birthdays and holidays with her aunts, uncles and cousins! One of her favorite things to do was to attend the Saturday matinees with her two younger brothers, John and Joe. She attended East Side High School where she met the love of her life, Joseph Roca. After graduating from East Side High School, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Barnet Hospital in Paterson, where Mary worked as a Registered Nurse for several years. After returning from the Korean War, Joseph married Mary on June 21, 1953 at Saint Joseph's Church in Paterson, NJ. They enjoyed 61 years of wedded bliss before Joseph passed away on March 9, 2015. In addition to raising her 4 children, Mary was the founding member of the North Haledon Association for Exceptional Children. Due to her dedication and determination, this organization continues to provide social and recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities. Mary is survived by her brother, John W. Rea of North Haledon; her children: William Roca and his wife Barbara of Wayne, and Rande Roca and his wife Dara of Franklin Lakes. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Samuel, Jacob, Sarah, Christian, Dominic, Alena and Eric. Mary is predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph, her daughters, Deborah, and Wendy and her brother Joseph. Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 at Moore's Home for Funerals, 1591 Alps Road, Wayne NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, January 27th, 2022 at Our Lady of Consolation R.C. Church, 1799 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, New Jersey. (Please meet at church) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.