Edgewood Yacht Club Club Mourns Loss of Commodore

Members of the Edgewood Yacht Club are mourning the loss of Commodore Marie DeRoche, who died unexpectedly on Sept. 16.

DeRoche is survived by her husband, Don, who served as commodore in 1997 and 1998, by their daughters Danielle and Monique and by five grandchildren.

In a message on their Facebook page, members of the club said the following:

"As we mourn the loss of our beloved commodore, we express our sincere condolences to them.

"As Commodore, Marie brought a sense of calm and purpose to this Club as it continued to recover from the fire that resulted in the tragic loss of the clubhouse in 2011. Her leadership style was inclusive. She was respectful and considerate of the opinions of all members, mindful of the Club's proud history and dedicated to its future. She attended countless planning, board and committee meetings in connection with the anticipated rebuilding of the clubhouse and guided that process with grace and good humor. 

"Marie brought extensive executive level experience to her position as commodore and assumed office just after retiring from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Her leadership skills were evident as she led the Club through several major projects including the restoration of the sea wall, the conversion of the cottage into an office and meeting facility and extensive marina upgrades. Just last week, Marie reviewed the plans for the new clubhouse and suggested changes which will be presented to the planning committee for review and comment in the near future. Her dedication, sense of style and attention to detail will continue to serve this Club well into the future.

"As a couple, Commodores Marie and Don DeRoche have set a standard of excellence and displayed a degree of dedication to this Club that is unparalleled. Individually, Commodore, Marie DeRoche brought harmony, a restored sense of pride and of hope for the future to the Club at a time when that was sorely needed. She was a person for all seasons and assumed the position of Commodore when she was most needed. She served well and will be sorely missed.

"The United States flag will fly at half-mast at Edgewood Yacht Club for the balance of this season as a tribute to Marie and will be accompanied by the Commodore's flag, which will also fly at half-mast, as a reminder to us all that Marie's work will continue to guide and influence this Club into the future. The vice commodore and other flag officers will assume the duties of commodore until the next slate of officers takes office. The position of commodore will remain vacant for the balance of this year as a tribute to Marie and as an expression of gratitude for her service to the Club."

Commodore Marie DeRoche's funeral will be held Monday, September 23, at 9:30 AM from the Keene Brown Funeral Home, 445 Greenville Road, North Smithfield, RI,  with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Theresa's Church, Nasonville. 

Burial will follow in the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI. 

Visitation is Sunday, September 22 from 3-6 PM Keene Brown Funeral Home. 
445 Greenville Rd., North Smithfield, RI.

In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to: 
St. Theresa's Shrine, 35 Dion Dr., Harrisville, RI 02830 
or to 
Edgewood Yacht Club Building Fund
1 Shaw Avenue, Cranston, RI 02905.