Althea (Louise) Roach Thomas passed away unexpectedly on March 23, 2020 at the age of 70 years old at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Born in Brockton, raised in Avon, Massachusetts, she attended Avon High School. Althea continued to her education at Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts, Boston as an English Major.
At the time of Althea’s death, she was employed as an Executive Assistant at Harvard Medical School, Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership. Throughout her life, Althea held several positions, where she touched countless lives and made a tremendous difference in the organizations of which she was an integral part. Health Care for All and Community Catalyst, Hattie B. Cooper Community Center, Medical East Community Health Plans/HMO Blue and May Behavioral Health Inc, all benefited from Althea’s unshakable belief in her concept of service without servitude. She looked for opportunities, especially in employment to make or share in positive change that aided individuals, particularly those who have been denied those benefits such as health care, education and housing.
Althea enjoyed traveling, seeing the world and spending her time collecting unique and meaningful items that reflected her roots. She was actively involved as Chair of the Board of Union-Minority Neighborhoods where she helped to raise money for an organization she deeply cared for as well as contributed to for more than 10 years.
Throughout her life, Althea generously served as a role model, a mentor who immeasurably impacted the lives of those she encountered over the years. She inspired and motivated others to reach their potential.
She is predeceased by her parents Alexander and Louise Roach, sister Alexis Miller and brother Paul Roach.
Althea is cherished by her daughter Heather Thomas of Brockton, Grandson Tyrell Hewitt of Brockton, Sister Margrett Watts of Randolph MA, Brothers James Roach of Truro MA, David Roach of Truro MA, and Carl Roach of Hyannis, MA. She will be deeply missed by her dear friends, and family including her childhood friend Susan Manning and all who knew her.
Althea’s Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to Union-Minority Neighborhoods https://unionofminorityneighborhoods.org/donate/