Elinor L. Roach, 82, a former editor and a dedicated volunteer, died Saturday, Sept. 8, in her Oak Park home after a long illness. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Chicago, she worked as an editor for Commerce Clearinghouse and married Dr. William Roach, her husband of 58 years. Mrs. Roach was active at First Presbyterian Church, which became First United Church of Oak Park, as a Sunday school teacher and member of the bell choir and women’s evening division. She volunteered for the Beacon Neighborhood House, Infant Welfare League and as a tutor in Austin-area schools. “She always felt a drive to help people who were less fortunate,” said her son James. “She did it with an open heart and with joy.” She was a talented pianist and loved listening to classical music and attending musicals, her husband said. She also wrote poetry. She liked walking through the woods and identifying flowers and birds, and was known to pore over maps and drive down back roads to find new fishing ponds for her children, her son said. “She liked to explore,” he said. Mrs. Roach also is survived by another son, William; two daughters, Barbara Lund and Mary Roach; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in First United Church of Oak Park, 848 Lake St.
