Dr. Marlene R. Roderiques, 71, of New Bedford died on Friday January 19, 2018 after a brief illness. She was born in Acushnet to Manuel Francisco and Julia DanDan Roderiques who preceded her in death. A retired educator, she worked for the New Bedford Public Schools for 28 years and for the Springfield Public Schools for eight years. She was also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and maintained a private practice in adult psychotherapy for many years. Dr. Roderiques received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Education from UMass Amherst and was awarded a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Counseling and Psychological Services from Springfield College.
Dr. Roderiques began her career as an educator in Springfield, where she served as a bilingual (English- Spanish) elementary teacher from 1971-1975 and later became a school adjustment counselor. In 1978, she was hired by the New Bedford Public Schools as a school adjustment counselor at both the elementary and secondary levels and was instrumental in establishing the Crisis Center at New Bedford High School. She served as principal of Carney Academy, where she exemplified the school’s philosophy of providing a good education to all students, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or intellectual ability. Dr. Roderiques carried forth this philosophy when she was appointed as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Equity and Diversity in 2006, a position she held for three years until her retirement.
Dr. Roderiques was so beloved and such a true and deep friend to students, colleagues, and so many in the community. She always found a way to be uplifting, making others feel special and loved. She participated in and served on the Board of Directors of numerous organizations, among them: Founding Charter and Board Member of the New Bedford Historical Society; Advisory Committee for the Pedro Pires Institute for Cape Verdean Studies at Bridgewater State University; Martha Briggs Educational Club of New Bedford; and Corporator for BayCoast Bank.
Marlene was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Her family and her church were most important to her. She was especially blessed to have her son , Joseph "Jay" Andrade Jr., whom she loved dearly, in her life, and her grandson, Dante Andrade who was the light of her life.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her son Joseph "Jay" Andrade Jr. and his partner Maria "Zee" Botelho of New Bedford; her grandsons, Dante Andrade of Wareham, Kenny and Alex Botelho, both of Fall River; her siblings, Beverly Ribeiro and Manuel F. Roderiques Jr., both of New Bedford, Doreene Barber and her husband Alfred, Ruth Hawkins and her husband Kenneth, Lorraine Thomas and her husband Lawrence, and Richard Graham, all of Springfield; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, Godchildren and friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Philip Roderiques and Ronald Galvin.
Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday January 24th at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday January 23rd from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.