Enjoyed shopping, entertaining and trips to Cape Cod
MELROSE — Ann M. (Kilfoyle) Rocha, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, April 13 at age 88.
Ann was born in Cambridge on April 12, 1936, one of twelve children of the late John and Katherine (McNeill) Kilfoyle. She was raised in Cambridge where she graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the Class of 1954. On January 30, 1960, she married Manuel J. Rocha at St. Mary’s Church and they moved to Revere to start a family. In 1970 at Ann’s request, they moved to Melrose with their growing family of 5 children.
Ann established herself in Melrose, caring for her family, making new friends and became a dedicated parishioner at Incarnation Church. She exemplified a loving dedicated homemaker as a loyal wife to Manny and a strong and supportive mother. She took pride in keeping a good home, planting flowers in front of their home on Porter St. every year and always had a warm meal ready.
With her fashionable style, Ann welcomed everyone with a warm smile that endeared herself to her many friends around Melrose. She found comfort in her connection to Incarnation Church and developed bonds with fellow parishioners.
In her free time, Ann enjoyed a good shopping trip, entertaining family and friends on Porter St. and spending time with Manny. In the summer months, she enjoyed trips to the beaches of Cape Cod with her family.
Ann’s strength of will and mind was balanced by her loving and caring nature. She relied on both when faced with adversity and always found a way to smile. May her dedication to family and strong mind carry on with her family and may she rest in eternal peace.
Ann was the beloved wife of Manuel J. Rocha with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Pamela Ledbury and her husband Todd of Saugus; Randal Rocha and his wife Nancy of Wickford, RI; Polly O’Brien and her husband Michael of Scituate; Ronald Rocha and his wife Christine of Melrose; and the late Raymond J. Rocha. Dear sister of the late Joan Andella, Ralph, Ruth Latorney, Joseph, Helen Baase, Katherine Kramer, Gerald, Paul, Donald, Arthur and Clifford Kilfoyle. Loving grandmother of nine grandchildren.
Relatives and friends were kindly invited to honor Ann’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. and for her funeral Mass at the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose on Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m. For online tribute or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
