Dorothy May LaRoche
July 8, 1926 ~ September 23, 2013
NORTH WINDHAM - Dorothy May La Roche, 87, formerly of Westbrook and North Windham, died Monday September 23, 2013 at South Portland Nursing Home. Dorothy was born on July 8, 1926 in Berlin, New Hampshire a daughter of Earl C. and Minerva Powell White. Dorothy was educated in Berlin and was a 1944 graduate of Berlin High School. Dorothy married Albert A. LaRoche in 1951 in Berlin, NH. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband in 1953. Following the death of her husband Dorothy enrolled at the University of Maine in Portland night school program. Over the next 10 years, Dorothy worked several jobs while attending school. Her jobs included work at Eliason Dental Lab, the New England Telephone Company and as a customs inspector for the Prince of Fundy. At the age of 40 she graduated from the University of Maine at Portland earning a BA degree in education. From 1966 thru 1986 Dorothy worked as a teacher at Portland High School. She mentored many students and was especially proud of one potential high school dropout named James Morse. James ultimately became the Superintendent of Portland School Department. Following her retirement at Portland High School, Dorothy accepted a position with St. Joseph's College where she continued to teach English until age 78. Dorothy continued to learn throughout her entire life and remained an avid reader. She enjoyed her home on Little Sebago, her cats and gardening. As a younger woman she enjoyed skiing, hiking and camping in the White Mountains. Survivors include her son, Robert P. LaRoche and his wife Suzanne of Portland. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday October 5, 2013 at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Those desiring may make donations to: Westbrook Animal Refuge League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, Maine 04098.Online condolences may be expressed below.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Robert, I taught at St. Joseph’s College and got to know your dear mother very well. She was an excellent teacher. She took a personal interest in each of her students. They loved her and tried to improve to please her. For many years after she retired, she invited me to her home for lunch. She was a dear, gentle and one whom I was blessed to know.
– Sister Mary Jude RSM
Just Breathe-Pearl Jam
– Robert
Mrs. LaRoche was my teacher, mentor and friend during my time at Saint Joseph’s College. Her love of grammar, in particular, was contagious, and I became a better teacher because of her instruction and support. When she cleaned out her basement one summer, I was the lucky recipient of her many worksheets and grammar texts…and her teaching lived on. Thank you, Mrs. LaRoche, for your guidance and friendship. I’ll miss you.
– Ericka Sanborn
I want to let you know how sorry I was to hear about your mother. I know how close you both were. She was your mother and father both. One thing I know is she loved you very much. You were her world. She was my English teacher at Portland High School. She was a good one. Your mother also introduced me to camping, hiking and skiing that I continued throughout my life. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. It’s too bad were not as smart in our younger years as we are when we are older.
– Ilene
Dottie played a major role in our lives. She introduced us to each other in 1955and has been a dear friend ever since. We will miss her greatly.
– Marion and Steve Riley
Dorothy and I taught together for years in the English Dept at St. Joe’s. We used to talk many days about our lives, teaching, etc. I am amazed to learn she was 87. She was young at heart! Sorry for your loss.
– Vicki Sullivan