Obituary for Joyce Roach

Joyce was beloved. She assumed many roles including that of wife, mother, and grandmother. Joyce was married to John E. Taggart for 44 years with whom she nurtured a large and loving family.  After John's passing, she met Ronald Roach in grief counseling. He had lost the wife with whom he built his similarly large family. Ron & Joyce, during their 19 years of marriage, created a home that was open and accepting for all their family and friends.  

Joyce’s most important role was that of matriarch. She also worked outside the home as a butcher, a school cafeteria worker, an insurance rater & underwriter, and as an antique dealer. She was politically active and was consistently motivated by social justice. She was concerned about the environment which led, in part, to her volunteer work at Innis Woods Metro Park. Her life-long commitment to exercise was well known. In recent years she took boxing classes. But her walks with her close friend, Jan, spanned decades. 

Joyce passed on March 2, 2024, ending her battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was surrounded by her family and the staff at Danbury Memory Care.  She is preceded in death by: John Edward Taggart (first husband), Janet Nolle (sister), and John & Mary Cooper (parents).  She is survived by: Ronald Roach (husband). Jerry Cooper (brother), her children John (Julie) Taggart, Jerry (Jeanie) Taggart, Joseph (Beth) Taggart, Joyce Taggart, Julie (John Kortlander) Taggart, her 11 grandchildren and her 11 great-grandchildren. Joyce was also a valued stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to the Roach family.

 A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church of Gahanna Ohio on March 23, 2024. A short service will be held at 2:15 in the fellowship hall. Then friends and family will celebrate Joyce’s life by sharing stories and great memories of her.   In lieu of flowers, please make a donation benefiting Parkinson’s research.