Jane Louise Roach (nee Mierkey) 1948 - 2024

Jane Roach passed away in her home on May 27, 2024. Jane was a gifted, professional musician with deep roots in the Auburn community. Jane worked at Placer High School for 25 years accompanying the choirs, bands and individual performers for festivals, competitions and concerts. She touched thousands of students' lives by sharing her dedication to excellent performance through education and coaching. Jane also accompanied choral performances at Magnolia Middle School, Bear River High School, summer music camps as well as weddings and celebrations of life. Over the years, she also had several private piano students. One of her favorite gigs was leading sing-alongs at private events. Her vast knowledge of music and decades of experience made for a deep repertoire of song so every guest's request could be met. Jane was also a church musician for 25 years at First Congregational Church in Auburn, where she often directed the choir and service music when the church was in-between music directors. In addition to this, she played at several Lutheran, Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist and other protestant churches as the relief or resident organist. Her deep faith and its expression through music enriched each service and congregation. The stage was no stranger to Jane either. Jane played the keyboard for many of Auburn's State Street Theatre productions, musicals, dance recitals and concerts. She found great joy in participating in these community performing arts events. Jane Louise Mierkey was born on April 8, 1948 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where she spent the first 5 years of her life. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in the early 50's. Jane was the oldest of 8 children so was a constant, loving caregiver for her siblings and support for her mother, Lillian, as the family grew. Jane graduated from Cortez High School with honors and went on to study music at the University of Arizona in Tucson. After relocating to Colorado in 1970, she embarked on a rich life journey as an entrepreneur involved in real estate and civil construction. Throughout the years she also maintained her calling to music as the organist for several churches in the Denver area. Jane is survived by her sisters, Fran Plyler and Chari Bockelmann (John), and her brothers, Gary Mierkey (Rosemary), Bill Mierkey, and Tom Mierkey (Jeri), as well as numerous nieces and nephews (and many grands!). She was preceded in death by her husband Bob Roach, her parents Vern & Lillian (Alf) Mierkey, sister Vonnie Mierkey, and brother Dan Mierkey. Jane's Celebration of Life will be held on September 7, 2024 at her second home, First Congregational Church, 710 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn, CA. Service starts at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following. All are welcome!