HESTER L. ROCHEFORD (HANLEY)

     Hester Lillian (Hanley) Rocheford, 93, died peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2018. She leaves her husband of 67 years, Richard G. Rocheford; sons, Mark Rocheford and his wife Linda of Worcester, Tobert and his wife Katharine of Lafayette IN, and daughter, Heather Rocheford and her partner Kevin Flavin of Spencer; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Born in Palmer, raised in Monson, daughter of Edward A. and Lillian (McMahon) Hanley. She is predeceased by both brothers, Edward and James Hanley. She is survived by her sister, Myrtis Hehir of Reisterstown, MD, and several nieces and nephews.

Hester attended Worcester State Teachers College, graduating in 1946. Her first teaching positions were the Calvin Coolidge School in Shrewsbury and Flagg St. Elementary in Worcester. She then went on to teach first grade at Tatnuck School for decades, retiring in 1986.

Married in 1950, Hester and Richard raised their family in the home they built in Tatnuck on Rich Street in 1953. Retiring in 1986, they enjoyed 27 winters at their home in N. Fort Meyers, Florida. They both enjoyed playing golf at Hillcrest Country Club in Leicester and Riverbend Country Club in N. Fort Meyers, Florida. Hester was especially proud of her three hole-in-ones, with two of them within 15 days at Riverbend Country Club.

Family and friends enjoyed many happy gatherings at the Rocheford home. She was a lovely lady and a gracious hostess. She had a penchant for chocolate and home-made peanut butter fudge. She also enjoyed a good Scotch Old-Fashioned.

Hester was a talented artist and produced many wonderful pieces that she enjoyed giving to family and friends. She would knit intricate Christmas stockings and make it a point to do one for every new family member.

One of her lifelong friends (a member of their gang), affectionately referred to her as, “little but mighty.”

The Rocheford family would like to thank ALL of the staff on the 5th floor, Memory Care Unit at the Jewish Health Care facility. Everyone does an excellent job, their compassionate care giving will always be remembered and appreciated. This is a special group of dedicated employees. Additional thanks need to be given to the Jewish Health Care Hospice Staff.

Calling hours will be Thursday, January 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Friday, January 12, from the funeral home with a Mass at 11:30 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

The family asks that flowers be omitted, and any donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA, 02452.