Marine Sergeant Mary F. Roa

Marine Sergeant Mary F. Roa (nee Rodriguez)

Passed away peacefully at Story Point Assisted Living on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the age of 96 years, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of her family.

Born on July 7, 1927, in Joliet to Felipe and Romana Rodriguez. Mary dedicated her life to education, service and community. A proud veteran of the Korean War, she served with honor in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mary's commitment to learning led her to graduate from the University of St. Francis, where she laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for education.

Mary is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Army Korean veteran, Luis P. Roa, in 2005, and two sisters, Lola Reyes and Juanita Roa. Having spent most of her career at Taft and F.E. Marsh Grade Schools, Mary retired from Joliet Grade School District 86, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Even in retirement, she continued her dedication to education by volunteering at St. Jude Catholic School.

A devoted member of St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, Mary found solace in her faith and actively participated in various organizations. Her community involvement included memberships in the Will County Retirees Association, Joliet Junior Women’s Club, Joliet Area Retired Teachers Association, Women Marines Association, and the University of St. Francis Alumni Association.

Funeral services were held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd. on Tuesday, February 6, at 9:30 A.M., to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Mary was laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital will be appreciated. Visitation was on Monday from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Mary was my sister-in-law; married to my late brother Louis. The ladies in the picture, from the Women Marines Association, IL-2 Blanche S. Osborne

Chapter, attended Mary's funeral on

Tuesday. Kimberly, Lisa and Chris.