Jeanette Marie Roca

Jeanette Marie Roca, 60, died in her home on Saturday, August 2, surrounded by loved ones. She was the youngest of four, born to Adolf and Irma (Darrow) Eitner on April 2, 1965, in Pasadena, California. At age 2 the family moved to Everett, Washington, where she attended first through eighth grades at Immaculate Conception School, and then graduated from Everett High School in 1983. Jeanette grew up enjoying skiing every Sunday at Stevens Pass, and loved Buddy Werner Ski School and ski races. She played tennis, basketball, and softball in high school, and her senior year she was manager of the varsity basketball team that placed 2nd in State.

Jeanette graduated from Santa Clara University in 1987, where she majored in sociology with an emphasis in gerontology. While there, she met and fell in love with her future husband and love of her life, John Vincent “Vince” Roca. Jeanette and Vince were married in 1988, and in 1995 they moved their family to North Little Rock. After working as an activity director in a nursing home and later as a breastfeeding consultant for WIC, Jeanette settled into her longtime career as a religion teacher and Director of Religious Education at Immaculate Conception School. She genuinely loved teaching her students about God and sharing her faith with them. Even until the end of her life, she would recall precious moments with her students and light up as she shared them with her family. Jeanette’s Catholic faith was the center of her life. The church community at Immaculate Conception became family.

While recovering from two hip replacements, Jeanette joined the Hays Senior Center. She looked forward to each day she’d spend in the pool with new friends who became so dear.

Jeanette’s greatest devotion was to her family. She is survived by her son John Roca Jr. (Ashley), her daughters Claire Cole (Parker), Gabrielle Roca Sellers (Eric), and Theresa Roca, her grandchildren Malachi, Dominick, and Aubrey, her siblings David Eitner (Loni), Kathryn Harris, and Mary Schireman (Duane), her brothers-in-law Henri Roca and Kevin Roca (Charlene), her mother-in-law Lovey Roca and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Vince, her son Robert Logan, her grandson Sebastian, and her parents.

Jeanette will be so missed by so many. She radiated goodness, generosity, and light. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. She adored her kitties. She was immensely grateful to her friends who helped her and her family through her illness. Her greatest legacy lies in the unconditional love, courage, and wisdom she passed on to her four children, and she will forever be present in their hearts.

Visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m., with Rosary at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, August 8, at Smith Family North Little Rock Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, followed by graveside service at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jeanette requested that memorials be made to Immaculate Conception Parish or the Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170