Gertrude F. Roach, 94, died at Bear Hill Nursing Center, Thursday after a brief illness. Born in Malden, she was raised in Melrose and graduated from St Mary's High School in 1924. She was a telephone operator for N.E. Telephone Co in the Malden office for many years and a member of the Telephone Pioneers and St Florence Parish in Wakefield. Gertrude was the wife of the late James Leo Roach. The loving mother and dear friend of Kathleen M. Roach of Wakefield. Devoted grandmother of Marissa D. and Marla C. Roach both of Wakefield. Sister of Helen McLaughlin of Wakefield and the late Elizabeth M. Testa, Rev John E. McLaughlin OSA, Thomas J. McLaughlin and Florence M. Bell. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W Foster St, Melrose on Monday Dec 31 at 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass in St Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave, Wakefield at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Sun 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 pm. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 820 Davis St. Suite 420, Evanston, IL 60201. .