Helen Williams Roche

FARMINGTON - Helen (Williams) Roche, ne Houghton passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023 at Camelot Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 101. Helen Houghton was born March 25, 1922 in Washington, D.C.to the late Vernon Taylor Houghton and Helen Houghton, ne Todd. She graduated from Bronxville High School in Bronxville, New York in 1939 and from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1941, earning an Associate in Arts Degree. Helen married Paul Grant Williams, Jr. on July 10, 1943 while Paul was home on a short leave while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Paul and Helen Williams moved to Bonne Terre, Missouri in 1946 and raised their four children in Bonne Terre. Helen was a homemaker and Paul was a successful businessman who preceded her in death on November 13, 1981 at the age of 61. Helen was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret "Peggy" Todd Emmons, ne Houghton. Helen was married to Edward Davis Roche from 1982 until his passing in 2009. Helen is survived by her four children: Paul Grant Williams III and his wife, Lila, Bruce Houghton Williams and his wife, Bonnie, Evan Taylor Williams and his wife, Colleen and Margaret "Meg" Todd Reiner and her husband, Stanley as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Helen was a very joyful "people-person" who touched many lives throughout her long lifetime. She had a gift of reaching out to people who were suffering and lending her listening ear, encouragement and help. She served her church and community in various ways, including teaching Sunday School at the First Congregational Church of Bonne Terre and leading the youth group along with her husband, Paul. She also served as a leader in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and served for years on the Bonne Terre Hospital (and later Parkland Health Center) auxiliary. Helen became a born-again believer in Jesus Christ at the age of 54 and loved to share her faith and encourage others with the Good News. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel officiated by Pastor Gene Rauls. Private interment to follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Shared Blessings Inc (transitional housing ministry), P.O. Box 456, Bonne Terre, MO 63628. View the video tribute and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Helens family would like to thank the caregivers at Ashbrook Assisted Living, Camelot Nursing and Rehab Center, Serenity Hospice Care and Gentiva Hospice for lovingly caring for Helen in her final years. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory Saturday, November 11, 2023 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel and Crematory Saturday, November 11, 2023 12:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640