Obituary of Barbara Ann DeRoche (née Roberts)

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Barb at home with family at her bedside. Barb leaves behind Hal, her loving husband of 43 years, her sons Michael “Mike” (Maegan), Eric (Christine), granddaughters McKenna and Veronica, brother Stan Roberts (Delores), sister Lorraine McPherson, sister Carol Gaudun (Peter), brother John Roberts (Sharon). Barb was predeceased by her sister Joan (Jim Shelton), sister-in-law Joan, and brother-in-law Joe.

Barb was born on July 30, 1952, the fifth of six children to William and Sadie Roberts. She was raised in Hamilton making her a big Ticat fan. She attended Western University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Barb retired at 58, after 30 years of faithfully serving War Veterans as a counsellor/case manager for Veterans Affairs Canada.

Barb enjoyed golfing up until she needed a hip replacement about ten years ago. She also enjoyed fishing, travelling to the U.S., Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Portugal (to name a few). She loved spending time with family and watching football (Go Bills!). Thirty plus years of memories were made from family vacations to The French River, the Walleye “Queen” of “Barb’s Bay.” She also treasured her girls’ trips to Florida with her “bestie” Beth Simpson, as well as many lunches.

In January 2023, Barb was diagnosed with COPD and lung cancer, after 15 radiation treatments, a survivor in May 2023. In the end it was a combination of COPD and congestive heart failure that took its toll.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dec for decades of caring and visiting Barb in the hospital. They would also like to thank all the staff at the Walker Clinic, GNGH, Niagara EMT’s, and CCAC for their care and commitment.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Barb’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Lung Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, The Walker Family Cancer Clinic and N.H.S.
In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on Sunday May 26 at Legends on the Niagara, 9561 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls at 2 p.m. for lunch, desserts, and refreshments. There will be a shuttle available from the parking lot. The family would love to see everyone whose lives were touched by Barb.

Barb, you lived a good and honourable life, and you will live on through your sons and granddaughters. You will always be loved and remembered. Rest in peace, your loving family.