Obituaries

Rowena Marie (Tassier) Roach, age 93, of Cedarville, Michigan, died on November 13, 2025, at Cedar Cove Assisted Living. She was born on December 12, 1931, in Cedarville to John and Violet (Griffin) Tassier.

Rowena grew up in Cedarville and graduated from Cedarville High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Frank Roach Jr., on September 5, 1950, at Our Lady of the Snows in Hessel, Michigan. After their marriage, Frank joined the U.S. Coast Guard, and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1952, they relocated to Detroit, where they spent a few years before settling in Rochester in 1959. Rowena worked as a waitress at Ted’s Restaurant on Woodward Avenue for a short time and she also served as a teacher’s aide for two years before becoming a devoted homemaker for many years. In 1984, they returned home to Cedarville.

Rowena was a member of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church and participated in activities such as axillary, rummage sales, and the Basket Club.

She enjoyed word searches, sewing, basket weaving, quilting, crocheting, and baking. She loved spending time with her children, as well as cooking, canning, gardening, and watching “All in the Family.”

Rowena is survived by her children, Richard (Marlene) Roach of West Branch, Michigan, Patricia (Timothy) Sechowski of Romeo, Michigan, James (Tracy) Roach of Oakland Township, Michigan; grandchildren, Michael Roach, Joni (Mike) Preuss, Matthew (Melissa) Wade, Joshua (Nicole) Wade, and Jeremy (Ginnie) Wade; and great-grandchildren, Autumn, Austin, Raeliegh, Zachary, Alex, Grant, Anna, Claire and Aurora.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents, John and Violet; brothers, Jack Tassier, and Steve (Sandy) Tassier.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church, 261 S. Islandview Rd., Hessel, MI 49745. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville, Michigan.

Following the burial, a luncheon will be held at Ang-Gio’s Restaurant, 232 M-134, Cedarville, MI 49719. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rowena’s honor to Cedar Cove Assisted Living, 266 S. Mary L. St., Cedarville, Michigan 49719.