Vernie Roche

Vernie Roche (nee Schintgen), 75, passed away on May 4, 2025 due to complications from a stroke. She is survived by her daughter, Lorrie, her son Tristan, his wife Samantha, and her grandsons, Calvin and Miles, as well as many siblings, nieces and nephews. 

Vernie is most fondly remembered for her role as preschool teacher at the Evanston YMCA and later at the JRC, and as archery instructor and nature expert for many years of Camp Echo’s family camp. She was an avid reader, loved puzzles and the outdoors, and had a secret talent as a painter. 

Her most treasured role, however, was as grandmother to Calvin and Miles. With her love and help, they built ramps, wrote stories and always made time for make believe. Her joy for watching all children learn was unmatched. If she ever taught your child, we guarantee she loved them, and she taught so many during her 40 plus years in the Evanston community. 

All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, from 6-9 pm at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, 303 Dodge Ave, Evanston, IL, 60202. Food and refreshments will be provided before a memorial service at 7:30 pm.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Echo in Vernie’s honor. https://www.mcgawymca.org/donate/