Bettie M. (Fistere) Roche

Bettie M. Fistere Roche' of York, ME passed away November 1, 2018 at the age of 90.  She was born December 1, 1927 in New Rochelle, NY, the daughter of Howard and Bertha Mae Gilbert Fistere.  

Early on, Bettie served as executive secretary to leaders at Time, Inc. and Pitney-Bowes for nearly 20-years.  In addition, she treasured the time she spent as Margaret Bourke-White's financial assistant and marveled at her talent and tenacity.  

She then joined her husband, noted-artist Robert R. Roche', as partner in his studio and art businesses.  In addition to managing the business and cultivating relationships supporting it,  together they restored two historic farmsteads.  Bettie fondly recalled her years at High Hill Farm in New Durham, New Hampshire as well as those at Windswept Farm in York, Maine.  More recently she's lived on Payne Road in York and valued the caring neighbors surrounding her there and friends in the broader community.  In all of her homes, she's loved gardening, cooking, playing piano and antiques.

A person of high standards and great empathy, Bettie freely gave to organizations that supported her values and cared for people and animals.  A life-long animal lover, she surrounded herself with all kinds of animals and lovingly raised Lady, Red, Puff, Puck, Wowdie, Heidi, Heide (2), Cocoa and no doubt others.  

She is survived by her beloved sister Jeanne A. Fistere with whom she shared a home for the last decade, and sister-in-law Linda Fistere.  She is also survived by nephews and nieces, along with their families.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert R. Roche', parents Howard and Bertha Fistere, brother C. Gilbert Fistere and his wife Lois and son David, and brother Howard C. Fistere Jr.   

A remembrance of her life will be held on Saturday, December 1 from 1:00-3:00 in her home at 30 Payne Road, York, Maine.  

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