Jean Ann DeRoche

PERU -- Jean Ann DeRoche, 75, died on November 11, 2012 at her home with family by her side.

She was born in Rumford on Feb. 8, 1937, a daughter of Oscar and Iola (Burgess) Richard.

She married Norman J. DeRoche Sr., on Dec. 24, 1956. Together they made their home in Peru and raised seven children. Norman passed away in 2001.

Jean was well known for singing, playing guitar, and hosting family “hootenannies.” She enjoyed nothing more than being active outside, whether it was gardening in the sun or scooping snow under the stars. Her love of reading often kept her up until the early morning hours, and her love of chocolate was legendary.

She had an amazing sense of humor, and a knack for making everyone feel welcome in her home. Jean was a loving and hardworking wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend; she will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Jean is survived by four daughters: Deborah DeRoche and husband Daniel Lowell of Roxbury, Diane and Phillip Tarr of Peru, Michelle and Charles Johnson of Peru, and Bonnie and John DeCosta of Milton, WA; three sons, Edward and Helena DeRoche of Rumford, Norman DeRoche and wife, Alicia Farmer of Peru, and Randy and Kelly DeRoche of Dixfield; three sisters, Theresa Pulk of Lubec, Sandra Skillin of Dixfield and Rose Gephart of Lewiston; three brothers, Francis Richard of Mechanic Falls, George Richard of Peru and David Richard of Mexico; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice for their outstanding support.

A memorial service will be held at the Peru Baptist Church at noon on Saturday with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Servant’s Heart Food Pantry, c/o Brenda Swan, Peru Baptist Church, 98 Main St., Peru, ME 04290.