Susan Rae (Detweiler) Roach
6/20/2015

Susan Rae Roach, 74

Dateline: Clifton Park, New York

Susan Rae (Detweiler) Roach, age 74, formerly of, Clifton Park, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20 in Norton, MA with her family by her side. She was born on December 30, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA the daughter of Ward and Mary (Powers) Detweiler.

For the first half of her professional life Susan worked as a bookkeeper for a variety of businesses. In 1980 Susan chose to leave the “working” world and began a life of ministry to others in need. For the next 20 years Susan devoted her life to helping children as a foster parent for the Saratoga County Department of Social Services. During that time Susan and her husband Robert opened their home and hearts to girls who needed a safe and nurturing place for them to heal and grow. Countless number of girls received the gift of Susan’s love and commitment to making them whole again. Her home became the foundation for them to move on to successful adulthood.

Susan was an active member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Park, NY since 1977. While there she was a faithful parishioner giving her time, talent and treasure. She served as Warden, member of the Vestry, Youth Group leader and volunteered countless hours of her time to many other church activities. Her faith was the center of her life and the inspiration for her ministry to those in need. Susan was also an active member of the Cursillo Community for many years.

Susan was a volunteer for the Saratoga County Bar Association, donating her time as coordinator of their Pro Bono Program. Combining her experience as a foster parent with her work for the Bar Susan founded Time Together, a volunteer organization providing a safe, supervised setting for children to meet with their non-custodial parent in cases where the supervision was mandated by the Courts.

Susan was awarded the JCPenney Citizen of the Year Award for her service to her community.

Susan is survived by her husband of 35 years, Robert Roach. She is the loving and devoted mother of Laura (Yanosky Roach) Humphrey. She is a second mother to Kathleen (Roach) Ziegenhine and Tracy Scott Roach. Susan is mother by choice to Jessica Lynn Camlet, Susan Arielle Bailey, Margaret S. Roach, and Elizabeth (Roach) Zimmerman. She was a beloved mother in law to James Ziegenhine, David Humphrey and Amy Roach

Perhaps best of all Susan is a devoted nana to Makayla Rae Humphrey, Andrew Ward David Humphrey, Alexander Scott Roach, James Alexander Stirzaker, Emily Michelle Slurff, Emily (Ziegenhine) Atwood, Matthew Zeigenhine (deceased) and Benjamin Ziegenhine. Her grandchildren will remember her best for hot summer days spent at the Barney Road Pool snacking on ice tea and gold fish.

Susan loved to read, go to the beach, camp at Hermit Island, Maine and spend time with her grandchildren.

Susan passed away after a seven year battle with breast cancer. She fought hard saying frequently “I have cancer but cancer doesn’t have me”.

There will be a funeral service at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Clifton Park on Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM. Family will receive visitors in the library after the service.

To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com
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Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home
55 North Main Street
Mansfield, MA USA 02048
508-339-2000