One of Ely’s most prominent figures of the last 30 years will be buried at the Church of the Resurrection next week after dying from cancer.
Maureen Roach, of Ty-Coch Road, born in 1948, was a pivotal figure within Ely and responsible for various community projects as well as a visit by Princess Diana.
Ms Roach, along with Councillor Susan Goddard, was a founder member and later the chairwoman of S.E.A.T West 4, Ely’s tenants and residents association.
She was also later the secretary and then chairwoman of Cardiff tenants and residents federation, highlighting her importance not just within Ely but across the city.
As well as this, she was responsible for turning an area of disused land off Ty-Coch Road into what was called Princess Diana park, which was opened by the Princess of Wales herself.
Joan Hughes, who worked closely with Ms Roach as part of S.E.A.T West 4, has remembered her as a woman who was almost indescribable.
She said: “I followed Maureen around for 15 years and learnt a hell of a lot from her. She would do anything that was needed for Ely, but she wasn’t just Ely, she was Cardiff as well.
“Maureen could get blood out of a stone. She was a workaholic and always got what she wanted. Her greatest asset was her get up and go, she didn’t let anything get in her way.”
Coun Goddard has remembered Ms Roach as being a key figure both in Ely and Cardiff, she said: “Maureen was absolutely instrumental in the Cardiff tenants and residents federation. She was also a loving mother and a caring and conscientious member of the community.”
Gloria Yates, founder of Healthy Wealthy and Wise, said Ms Roach was a great supporter of the Church of the Resurrection: “Maureen regularly collected for church and sold raffle tickets, she will be sorely missed.”
Ms Roach’s funeral will be held at the Church of the Resurrection at 10.30am on February 27.
