Rhea LaRoche

Rhea M. (LeBlanc) LaRoche, 92, of Westminster, died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in an accident. 

Born in Gardner on January 1, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Alida (Allain) LeBlanc. She graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1949. 

Rhea was a parishioner of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Otter River. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, watching game shows, football and going to the casino. Rhea also loved family functions and going on boat rides around the lake. In her early years, Rhea enjoyed golfing, skiing and traveling with her husband, family and friends. She was a homemaker whose greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren, treasuring all the special times spent together. 

Rhea is survived by her daughter, Jane G. LaRoche of Westminster; two sons, Richard N. LaRoche and his spouse Kathy of Summerfield, FL, and John L. LaRoche of Worcester; a sister, Ronalda LeBlanc of Connecticut; a brother Roger LeBlanc and his spouse Pat of Gardner; three grandchildren, Ryan, Patrick and Christian LaRoche; three great-grandchildren, Zoey, Olivia and Lyndon LaRoche; several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Rhea was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Norman L. LaRoche, who died in 2019; a son, Roger A. LaRoche; a granddaughter, Jordan LaRoche; a sister, Doris Gerasolo and a brother, Gerard LeBlanc. 

Calling Hours will be held Saturday February 10, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Followed by a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in St. Martin’s Catholic Church, 247 State Road Templeton, MA.

Burial at the Notre Dame Cemetery West Street Gardner, MA. will be held in the spring at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin's Catholic Church, c/o Holy Cross Rectory, 25 Lake Avenue Templeton, MA 01468. Please reference in memory of Rhea M. LaRoche.