Joan Bartlett Roche

Joan Bartlett Roche, 94, of Napa, California, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished. She was born in Martinez, California, on January 18, 1932, to Charles Alley and Miriam Ervine Alley. She grew up in Martinez, graduated from Alhambra High School and went on to graduate from San Jose State University in 1953. Her passion for education would later be celebrated with her children and grandchildren, instilling in them the value of education.

Joan was married to Lt. Col. Jack R. Bartlett for 56 years before his death in 2009. Jack was a US Air Force pilot. Joan was a military wife for 24 years. They were stationed in Southern California, Okinawa, Massachusetts, Alaska, before returning to Massachusetts and then California while Jack did a tour in Vietnam. Jack retired from the Air Force in 1975 and the family moved to
Napa.

Joan was a teacher in Southern California, Okinawa, Massachusetts, and Napa, where she taught at Alta Heights and Bel Aire elementary schools. For twenty years, Joan and Jack invited many classes of students to their farm for spring field trips, which included visiting animals, wagon rides, and sliding down hay stacks. These were happy memories for the children and the Bartletts.

Joan’s love for music found a home in the Sweet Adelines, where she sang for 16 years, in the bell choir of Saint Apollinaris Parish, where she played for 25 years, and several other musical groups including the Threshold Choir. She was also an avid gardener and raised chickens for many years. Her garden was her happy place.

In 2016, Joan married Robert F. Roche of Napa. Together, they shared six years of song, travel and laughter until Robert’s passing in 2023.

By far her favorite times were when her large family came together for holidays and celebrations. She is survived by 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She also has two surviving brothers: Patrick R. Alley of Virginia Beach, VA, and Charles E. Alley of Gig Harbor, WA.

Her five children are scattered across the country: Kathleen Roggero and husband Fred of Burke, VA; Melinda Miller and husband Jerry of Reno, NV; Jack Bartlett and wife Rebecca of Rougemont, NC; Alison Mazzanti and husband Andy of Bend, OR; and Mimi Leahmann and husband Joe of Napa.

Joan was very proud of her 15 grandchildren: Amanda, Claire, Kylie, Everett, Courtney, Renee, Marie, Eli, Meg, Lily, Jared, Joe, C.J., Alley, and Drew. She also rejoiced in seeing all of her great-
grandchildren: Josephine, Ira, Jasper, Natalie, Ellie, Jackson, Oscar, Henry, Lucy, Leo, Kyler, Grant, Faith, Leilah, June, Ben, Maddox, Rowyn, Rhett, and Tessa.

Known as “Nana Joan” she was the foundation of her family, pouring love into three generations. Through her hands and heart, she created over twenty personalized quilts for her children and grandchildren, each one a symbol of her care and devotion. She was a joyful giver of Tootsie Roll lollipops, and her deep love of reading, art, music, and singing was a gift she generously shared. Her gentle encouragement, creativity, and warmth will forever live on in those she loved.

Joan was buried at Tulocay Cemetery next to her husband Jack. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Stayman Estates and Homecare, Anchor Hospice, and the music therapists who brightened her final days with the songs that she loved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anchor Hospice, https://www.anchorhpc.com/ , or Heifer International, https://www.heifer.org , honoring Joan’s lifelong commitment to kindness and service. A celebration of life will be planned in a few months.

Joan Bartlett Roche will be forever missed and always remembered with love.

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