Helen Patricia Roche, of Riverdale, Bronx, New York, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Yonkers, NY. She was 91 years old.
Born in Manhattan in 1935, Helen—known to family and friends as "Pat" or "Patsy"—spent her early years in the Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood before moving to the Netherland Gardens community in Riverdale. She was the beloved daughter of the late David and Helen (née Clancy) Roche.
Although an only child, Pat was surrounded throughout her life by a large and loving extended family. She is survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cherished godchildren. Her extended family included Mary McCormack, John Fearns and Bill Fearns who felt that she was more of a sister than a cousin. Pat will be missed by many close friends and neighbors.
Pat will be remembered for her warmth, loyalty, generosity, and the enduring friendships and family bonds she nurtured throughout her life. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
Pat attended St. Jean Baptiste High School, where she formed lifelong friendships that remained important to her throughout her life. She went on to build a distinguished career with NY Telephone and later Exxon, where she achieved considerable professional success. Before retiring in 1986, she served as manager of a department responsible for assisting senior executives with relocations around the world.
Retirement brought Pat the opportunity to pursue her love of travel. She enjoyed exploring new places with friends and family and especially treasured visits with loved ones throughout the United States and Ireland.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY. Committal services will be private.
Donations may be made in Pat's memory to St. Jean Baptiste High School Advancement Office, 173 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021, or to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 135 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001.