Colleen Patricia Roach

On Monday, March 20th Colleen Patricia Roach decided to make her trip home to heaven. Colleen took her last breath at approximately 12:46pm surrounded by loved ones in her home in Tampa, FL, where she has resided for 44 years.

Colleen was born on October 4, 1953 to her mother Mary Joan Gardinier and father William Robert Murphy. Both her parents and her brother, Michael Murphy predeceased her, but is outlived by her older brother William Murphy and her younger sisters, Maureen Sweeney and Mary Murphy.

Through her first marriage she was blessed with two children, Michael Hauser and Erin Swontek. After moving to Tampa, she then gave birth to another beautiful daughter, Candace Garwacki. Not only was Colleen the best mother but also an incredibly supportive and loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

In March of 1986, Colleen met the love of her life, Michael Kenneth Roach. The two spent many years not only living a great life together, including lots of days driving around town, enjoying the scenery, but also working together in their very own cleaning business. In 1993, Colleen was blessed once again with a handsome baby boy, Sean Micheal Roach.

Those who know Colleen know that not only is she beautiful on the outside without having to crack a smile and her piercing blue eyes, but also beautiful on the inside with a very giving heart. Colleen has always been a generous caregiver, from raising her own children to babysitting, helping take care of many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and even helping out with the numerous fur children.

Those that know her also know that Colleen was a strong minded, well-loved individual who liked the simple life. Her one request is that her family be together so a celebration of life will be held April 16th at Upper Tampa Bay Park. The celebration will begin at 11am and last a few hours with enough time for us all to play horseshoes, cornhole, eat, and just enjoy each other’s company. A $2 fee is required for any car entering the park to help Florida Wildlife. Besides that, all we ask is that you bring your favorite memory of Colleen ready to share.