CORDELE — Nancy Jane Burkett Roche, wife, mother, grandmother, and long-time resident of Cordele, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, the 21st of April at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on May 18, 1930 in Lewistown, PA, the daughter of Merl and Mary Burkett grew up in central Pennsylvania where she acquired a love of books, music, the rolling hills of the central Pennsylvania countryside, and all things Penn State. She graduated with honors from Lewistown High School and met a young Air Force veteran who was to become her sidekick for the next 63 years.

Her younger adult life was consumed by her five children. Nancy didn’t miss many activities, be it a piano concert, dance recital or a sporting event. She was a pillar of encouragement and a blanket of consolation.

The next chapter of her life involved unwavering service to her community. Nancy served selflessly as a Pink Lady at Crisp Regional Hospital for over 20 years and faithfully as a member of Christ’s Episcopal Church for close to 50 years. She cherished her weekly Bridge and Mahjong clubs and adored Frank Sinatra. Somewhere in between these pursuits she managed to hit the road to support the endeavors of her eight grandchildren.

Nancy was a fighter and the embodiment of humility and grace. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, JE (Jack) Roche; her children and their spouses and partners, Jack Roche (Stephanie), Mary Roche Jones, Jeri Roche (Dr. Angela Browning), Bobby Roche (Karen) and Jane Roche Parker (Dr. Marshall Parker); her grandchildren – Ed Roche (Kristi), Emily Roche Rountree (Joe), Morgan Jones, Kacey Jones, Julianne Roche, Bryant Roche, Davis Roche and Severan Roche. She felt an incredible joy for life and was an inspiration to her family and everyone she met.

Visitation will be held at Rainey Family Funeral Services Friday, April 22, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. A celebration of her life will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church.

En lieu of flowers the family invites memorial gifts to Christ Church. PO Box 264 Cordele, GA 31010.