OBITUARY

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21217, 13 September 1940, Page 6

OBITUARY

MRS H. ROCHE OLD LEAMINGTON RESIDENT (Special to Times) CAMBRIDGE, Friday The death occurred yesterday at her residence, Leamington, of Mrs Charlotte Amy Roche, wife of Mr Henry Roche, aged 84 years. She was a highly esteemed resident of the district for 26 years. The late Mrs Roche was the fifth daughter of the Rev. Arthur Guyon Purchas, who came to join Bishop Selwyn-as a medical missionary in 1835 and became the first vicar of the parish of Onehunga. Mrs Roche was born at Onehunga in 1856, where she was educated.

She derived great pleasure from landscape painting in water colours. Keenly interested in Melanesia, she made three voyages to Norfolk Island in the early days of the mission. In 1891 she married Mr Henry Roche, who soon afterward joined the Waihi Gold Mining Company as civil engineer. Mr and Mrs Roche lived in Waihi until the construction of the power plant took them to Hora Hora in 1910. In 1914 they came to settle in Cambridge. Mrs Roche was a staunch member of St. Andrew’s Church, and for many years took an active interest in the affairs of the parish. She is survived by her husband and one son, Dr. E. H. Roche, of Auckland.