The Milton and Stoneham, Massachusetts communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Lara M. (Sarmanian) Roche, who passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 39 after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her loving family and devoted friends in her final moments, Lara left this world the same way she lived in it—with grace, strength, and an abundance of love.
Formerly of Stoneham and most recently of Milton, Lara was the kind of person who made everyone feel at home. Those who knew her often say she had an extraordinary gift: the ability to make each person feel uniquely special, deeply valued, and unconditionally loved. Her warmth, compassion, and sincerity left a lasting mark on every life she touched.
Above all else, Lara was devoted to her family. She shared a beautiful life with her husband, Kenneth Roche, and together they built a home centered on love, joy, and togetherness. Their three children—Paige, Caroline, and Luke—were the center of Lara’s world. Being a mother was the role she treasured most, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. She turned everyday routines into cherished memories, creating a childhood for her children filled with magic, comfort, and endless affection.
Whether it was planning family outings, decorating for holidays, reading bedtime stories, or simply being present for every milestone, Lara poured her heart into motherhood. Her children knew without question that they were deeply loved, and the lessons she taught them through her kindness and devotion will remain with them forever.
Lara was born to Michael Sarmanian and the late Donna Sarmanian, whose passing seven years ago was a tremendous loss in her life. She shared a close bond with her family and was especially devoted to her siblings, Jena and Michael. Growing up, Lara loved being surrounded by her family so much that she famously avoided sleepovers, preferring the comfort and joy of home. In adulthood, she recreated that same sense of warmth and belonging in her own family life.
A graduate of Bentley University, Lara developed lifelong friendships that remained deeply important to her throughout her life. Bright, ambitious, and determined, she began her professional career at Yahoo immediately after college. While working full-time, she earned her MBA from Suffolk University, a reflection of her drive and discipline. Over 18 years at Yahoo, Lara became not only a highly respected professional but also a trusted friend and mentor to many colleagues.
Outside of work and family, Lara found joy in life’s beautiful details. She loved decorating her home, tending to hydrangeas, collecting shells on the beach, creating the perfect country music playlist, and planning special vacations with her loved ones. She had a remarkable talent for thoughtful gift-giving and always seemed to know exactly how to make others feel seen and appreciated.
Lara is survived by her beloved husband Kenneth; her children Paige, Caroline, and Luke; her father Michael Sarmanian; her siblings Jena and Michael Sarmanian and his wife Katie; her parents-in-law Brendan and Maureen Roche; sisters-in-law Kim Roche Johanson and Krissy Roche; as well as her cherished nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
Though her life was far too short, Lara Roche’s legacy is one of extraordinary love, grace, and compassion. Her memory will continue to live on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the countless people who were fortunate enough to know her.