Obituary of Caitlyn Roche

Caitlyn Mary Roche, 29, of St. Mark's Lane, Niskayuna, NY was escorted by her guardian angels into the heavenly kingdom on November 20, 2013 at 10:33 a.m. Catie became ill quickly and passed peacefully away into eternity with all her family by her side at St. Peter's Hospital. Sweet Cate gave us all one last gift by enduring her final hours of life, long enough so that we could find some measure of comfort in losing her. Those last kisses, caresses, and looks were priceless to us all. One by one we each expressed our love and memories to Catie while she held our fingers and looked into our eyes. Catie is survived by her parents, Mark and Patricia Roche and her four brothers, Mark (Heather) of Cortland, Paul (Colleen) of Rotterdam, Matthew (Megan) of Halfmoon, and James. Catie also leaves behind her grandfather, Frank Maguire, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and four nieces and nephews, Ella, Rori (Mark) and Cal, Nora (Paul). Paula Willard LPN, her nurse of over 16 years, who always said until death do us part, was at Catie's bedside to the end. Caitlyn attended the Niskayuna public schools where she ran 'Roche's Corner's Cafe' and created crafts for 'Cate's Cache.'.For many years Catie participated in therapeutic horseback riding at S.T.E.P. She also took ballet lessons at Ferrara Dance Studio and even performed at Proctor's Theatre. One other very special event in Caityn's life was her 'Make-a-Wish' trip to Disney World in 2000 with her entire family. In 1985, Catie's extended family sent her and her parents on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Then again, in 2010, Caitlyn was nominated to return to Lourdes after receiving a Volunteer of the Year award for her pro-life work. Caitlyn did not have an easy life but she was seemingly invincible in overcoming obstacle after obstacle. She couldn't, however, fight the good fight alone and so we send out our heartfelt gratitude to our loving family and friends, Father Richard Carlino, Father George Brucker, Father Martin Fisher, Deacon (Uncle) George Witko and Deacon Owen South. We also thank countless doctors (especially Shaker Pediatrics and Dr. David Hornick), countless nurses/aides (especially Paula, Teshia, Anita, Darlene, Jeannie, Claudia, Sabrina), numerous therapists/teachers/service coordinators (Mitzi, Pat, Kim, Diane, Tina, Colleen, Kari, Jill, Sue, Monica, Leeann, Rachel), and numerous prayer warriors (including Marianne, Grace, Carol, Janet, Dick, Bruce, Patty, Marilyn, Bill, Diane, Jeannie, Nancy . . .and countless others). Finally we wish to thank the ambulance staff, the Emergency Room doctors and nurses, the ICU doctors and nurses and Pastoral Care at St. Peter's Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contribution checks be made out to the 'Missionaries of the Poor' (at Bethlehem House in Kingston Jamaica) in Caitlyn's honor. Caitlyn's brother, James, worked there with disabled kids (much like Catie) while on a mission trip with the Catholic University of America. He will be returning there next spring also. James was impressed by the loving dedication of the Brothers, but also saddened that they had few resources and dire poverty. Checks may be sent to them c/o the Roche Family, 678 St. Mark's Lane, Niskayuna, NY 12309. Funeral service, Monday morning 8:15 from Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at St. John's The Evangelist Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours, Sunday evening 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY