Carol E. (Bastarache) Rocha, 80, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday February 7, 2023, surrounded by her family, after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Leonard Rocha; they had been married for 46 years.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Albert and Yvonne (LeBlanc) Bastarache, she was raised in Acushnet and lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
Carol worked as a tax preparer and bookkeeper for Hodgson & Associates for more than 20 years before going to work for Southcoast Hospitals in the payroll department.
Carol enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. She loved Elvis Presley and she loved to laugh. She enjoyed reading, playing trivia, and watching tennis and old movies on TV. She was happiest spending time floating in the water at Round Pond, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Sassaquin Pond.
Survivors include her son, Gary J. Rocha of Dartmouth; one granddaughter, Sarah D. (Rocha) Bednarz and her husband Andrew of Westport; two grandsons, Jacob W. and Benjamin S. Rocha of Dartmouth; her great-granddaughter, Stella D. Bednarz; her sister, Claudette M. Meehan of Bridgewater; and several nieces and nephews.
Carol was the mother of the late Christopher E. Rocha and sister of the late Nancy Wunschel.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday February 18th, at 11AM at the Country Club New Bedford, 585 Slocum Road, Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast VNA, 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or visit www.southcoast.org/vna. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.