Rosann (Mendoza) Roderick, 80, died on Friday, February 21, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

A lifelong resident of Warren, RI, Rosann was a teacher for nearly three decades in the Portsmouth School District, where she taught first and second grades. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 39 years, John M. Roderick. She is survived by her son, John C. Roderick, daughter-in-law, Aimee and granddaughters Aveline and Sage, of Boston. She also leaves behind her sister, Marion Nencka; her brother, Richard Mendoza and his wife Jennifer; her sister-in-law Sheryl Mendoza; and a loving group of nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings Joseph, Eleanor, Wilbur and James.

Recognized professionally for her creative and patient approach to helping children learn to read and her pioneering work to bring hands-on science learning into the classroom, Rosann was most proud of the work she did helping special needs and severely disabled children succeed in a mainstream classroom environment. A founding organizer of the Melville School Thanksgiving Feast, she was a fixture in the early development of a generation of young people. In her retirement years, Rosann enjoyed her regular trips with family and friends to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard, her gambling and live music adventures with her niece, Leesa, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She graduated Warren High School as Valedictorian in 1962 and later received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Rhode Island College.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI 02885, where the family will receive relatives and guests on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 9AM followed immediately by a Burial at 10AM in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Brown Health Foundation, Development Office, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02903 for the Saint Anne’s Hospital Oncology Transport Assistance Program.

For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.