Geraldine Roche Obituary

Hello to all of the Roche family:

I enjoyed reading this heartfelt and informative tribute. I think of Grandma often and am always reminded of the kind and generous things she did for each of us in the family, as well for friends and neighbors throughout the years. Your dedication to the house on Costilla Street is representative of a lot of the things Grandma instilled in all of us: pride in our family, remembrance of our past, care for our communities and neighbors, sentimentalism for nostalgia, knowledge of our roots, and love for each other. I wish you all the best in restoring the house. Grandma would be “tickled,” which was something I heard her say often when she spoke of all of the things that made her happy and joyous about her family, friends, and life. As a family, we were so blessed and fortunate to have Grandma as a part of our lives, our memories, our hearts, and our minds.

"Smile and enjoy the memories". Oh, yes, not a day goes by that I don't think of our dear Mom (and Dad). This week on the 4th of July I thought how we used to celebrate that holiday with a picnic at Austin Bluffs, with our friends the Jones family. Lester and Dorothy and their kids, Beverly -- my age -- and Clark -- Billy's age. (Before you were born dear little brothers, James and Mike). Early that morning our parents would fix fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad (Mom's was the best!) real lemonade, and Mrs Jones' delicious burnt-sugar-cake. All packed up, we would set out for the Bluffs which seemed like a very long trip, and unlike today, not a house in sight along the way. Beverly and I would get to ride in the rumble-seat of the Jones car on the way out, and Clark and Billy on the way back. The Roche car didn't have one, but was a great car. We had such fun playing in the rocks, imagining them to be our castles and forts. Full of good food and tired fom play, we'd get home before dark and our Dads would light our few fireworks in the yard on Costilla Street. A few firecrackers, couple of roman-candles, fountains and of course, sparklers. To us they were as beautiful as any of the commecial displays I've seen in the years since. Life was simple then. All the Jones' are gone now, and my dear brother Billy just this year, but my memories are as vivid as yesterday. What a wonderful Mom and Dad we had --- they raised us right, loved us always, and gave us a very happy childhood in beautiful Colorado Springs.

Uncle James and Uncle Mike,

I loved Grandma with all my heart and miss her deeply. she would be so proud of you buying the special house she raised you all in. It is also special to me because of my Dad growing up in that house. I miss and love them both so much!

yes, our parents were quite the pioneers -- they went through a lot for us.

since you & I have been best friends for such a long time,margie,

we both have know & loved each other's parents. love, dee

I never knew your mother but I grieve with you and for the loss of your brother, our dear cousin "in law" Bill. We love our extended family in Albuquerqe and hope to always be here in Colorado Springs for you!

Thanks for sending this to us. Your whole family is always in our prayers.

James and Mike,

A beautiful Tribute to your Mother.

Love, Edie