Leslie Melson
"Lee Melson and her husband Ronald Roach enjoyed life to the fullest."
Leslie Melson Ronald Roach
Leslie Melson and her husband Ronald Roach

Lee had lived in many places that I had grown up, including Connecticut and the San Diego area. Lee and Ron moved to the Orcas Island area and had a beautiful house overlooking the area, including a nesting eagle!

It was always fun to hear the stories Ron told of his time as a pilot for TWA.

Obituaries
From the Hartford Courant:
January 19, 1999

ROACH, Leslie (Lee Melson) and Ronald Gene

Leslie (Lee Melson) Roach and her husband, Ronald Gene Roach, residents of Orcas Island, Washington since 1991 were killed in a single car accident on the island on Saturday (Dec. 26, 1998). She was 51 and he was 62. Both served in the United States Navy. He retired as a Commander and she was a Lt. Commander.

Lee Roach was born in New Britain, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Edward Melson of Mooreland Road, Kensington. She attended New Britain schools and was a graduate of The Northfield School, Northfield, MA., and Connecticut College in New London. She was an ardent participant in the music program at Northfield and a member of the Estey Choir. While a resident of New Britain she was a member of the First Church of Christ, Congregational and the Junior League of New Britain.

In 1969 Lee entered the Naval Womens Officers School, Newport, RI., graduating "with distinction" in June 1970 and was assigned to Miramar Naval Air Station as Communications Officer and later transferred to the San Francisco Navy Recruiting District. While there, she became the Women's Programs Officer responsible for the rccruitment of Women Officers throughout northern California, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii.

Mr. Roach was born in Bellingham, Washington and graduated from Western Washington University. Before his retirement he was a pilot for Trans World Airlines. Lee is survived by her parents; two sons, Sean A. Roach and Geoffrey D. Roach; her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Donald B. Melson and their two sons of North Andover, MA. Mr. Roach is also survived by two sons and a daughter and seven grandchildren from a former marriage.

A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 830 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Northfield Music Fund in memory of Lee Melson Roach `65, Northfield, Mount Hermon School, 206 Main Street, Northfield, MA., 01360-1089 or to a fund to support youth activities on the island which has been established in the name of Ron and Lee Roach at the Orcas Community Foundation.

© 2024 John R. Melson