Julianna “Julie” Flores Rocha
1939 – 2008
If you attended the J.F. Wilbur McMahon School between 1975-2000, you may have memories of working in the school greenhouse, or you may have a handmade Christmas ornament with your picture on it. This is largely, in part, thanks to Mrs. Rocha. A 25 year school employee, she worked as a Teacher’s Aide and was one of the first Bus Monitors in the school system. Julie spent countless hours working in the school greenhouse teaching children to love and care for plants, and making holiday crafts with Kindergarteners.
Born on February 7, 1939, Julianna “Julie” Flores Rocha was a lifelong resident of Little Compton. The daughter of Mary Davoll Flores and John Flores Jr, she is remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor. One of four children (brothers, Frances “Sonny” and John, and sister, Mary Cecilia), Julie attended Wilbur McMahon High School and had a childhood ambition of one day becoming a Military Police Officer. She had fond memories of playing softball behind Chet’s barn and sneaking out of the house to hang out with Fran Rego. It was when she and Fran crashed a party at Wilbur’s Woods that she met her beloved husband, Joseph DeAlmo Rocha.
The two married and had two children, Joseph and Jennifer. Julie coached softball for the Little Compton Girls Softball League and during Joseph’s tenure on the Little Compton Beach Commission Julie volunteered as the Secretary. She was active in the Little Compton Senior Citizens and could typically be found sitting in the sun reading true crime novels. She had a talent for making beaded earrings, knitting, and for making her infamous puffy paint sweaters. Her true passion was for travel, even if that meant just a day trip with her girlfriends or her nightly drive to South Shore Beach with Joseph. Her trips to the Brousseau Camp in Maine and winters in Florida held a special place in her heart.
Julie is the only person who could turn the word “doorknob” into a term of endearment. Her sarcasm, wit and smile continue to live on through the stories and memories of her family and friends. She is missed immensely by those who knew her, and she is loved by Joseph beyond measure.
Joe and Julie Rocha with objects loaned to the Historical Society. 
Joe and Julie Rocha. 
Joe and Julie Rocha. 
Julie Rocha in a newspaper article honoring her. 
Joe and Julie Rocha.
Stephanie Cavanaugh, Granddaughter
June 2020
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