Theresa M. Roche, of Middleboro, Mass., an MIT Facilities employee for 15 years, died of complications from cancer on Monday, April 21, at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Roche, who retired from MIT in 2007, worked the day shift in custodial services. Among the buildings she serviced was Building 68, where she was loved by members of the Department of Biology--who also held a farewell party for her upon her retirement. She would reach out to everyone with her laughter, smile and caring ways. Even during her illness, Roche maintained an upbeat and positive attitude and was an inspiration to all who knew her.
During her time with MIT Facilities, Theresa received several customer service awards and was honored in 2006 with an Infinite Mile Award.
She was a devoted wife to her husband, Joe; mother to her two daughters, Donna and Carol; and grandmother to her seven grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling and shopping and keeping in touch with all of her friends. She will be sadly missed by all those who knew her. Donations in memory of Mrs. Roche may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 55584, Boston, MA 02205-5584.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on May 7, 2008 (download PDF).
