Victoria "Bonnie" Roche

On this day in her home in Columbus, Georgia, our beloved mother passed away at the age of 94 and went to be with Jesus. As a first-generation American, Victoria was a member of the exclusive club known as the "Greatest Generation" of citizens who helped shape and define our nation through the hardships of the great depression and World War II. Born in Calumet, Minnesota to immigrant parent's Samuel Bonovich and Eva Oreskovich, Victoria left home at an early age to enlist and serve in the Women's Army Air Corp during WWII. While serving in Palm Springs, California, she met and later married Sidney J. Roche of St. Augustine, Florida and they had four children together. Victoria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved flower gardening, cooking and spending time with her family. In addition to raising four children, often by herself while her husband was away serving in the military, Victoria helped support the family by whatever means necessary no matter if that were cleaning homes, motels, and restaurants, serving as a school nurse or working in retail sales. Victoria embodied the American spirit of putting in an honest day's work and selfless service to family and country. Armed with a contagious laugh that could light up a room, she could find humor in the simplest of things. Victoria's entire life can be characterized as nothing short of faithful service, love and support to her family and she will be deeply and forever missed. Victoria is survived by her daughter and long-time caregiver Sandra R. Cullen of Columbus, Georgia, sons Sidney J. Roche, Jr. of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Michael B. Roche of Nakomis, Florida and Stephen A. Roche of Oviedo, Florida and 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.