ELLEN NAPLETON ROCHE '68

The following bio was published in March 2023.

Ellen Napleton Roche ‘68 is a dynamic attorney and staunch supporter of Catholic education, due to the strong foundation laid by her parents, Francis and Elizabeth (a 1942 graduate of Mercy High School). The couple prioritized Catholic education for their eight children and set a precedent for their children that anything could be possible if you set your mind to it. 

This sentiment was strengthened during Ellen’s time at Mother McAuley. She went on to receive an undergraduate degree from Mundelein College, the last private, independent, Roman Catholic women's college in Illinois, in 1972. She has been inspired, too, by her family; her grandfather opened the first dealership for the Napleton Automotive group in 1931, and her father and brothers (ardent Brother Rice supporters), have carried on his vision and legacy. Through the years, they have expanded the group on the south side of Chicago and many other locations in the midwest.

Ellen married the love of her life, Jim Roche, in 1973, who became a well-known litigator in the Chicago legal community. They soon welcomed their three children: Shannon, Megan and Patrick. The early years of marriage and raising children didn’t slow Ellen down - she earned her Masters in School Psychology and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in 1983. She began her career as a self-employed attorney in real estate work, which allowed her to create her own schedule and make all of her dreams a reality. 

With a strong belief in Catholic education and a desire to give back to a school close to her heart, Ellen served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Mother McAuley and chaired the Institutional Advancement Committee. Under her leadership and direction, McAuley introduced a successful parent giving campaign, Cash for Christmas. In addition, her love for golf ignited her to help McAuley expand their annual golf outing, which directly supports scholarships for incoming freshman students. In 2022 alone, McAuley was able to award 55 students with the Tradition of Excellence Scholarship because of proceeds from the golf outing, and this number continues to grow every year. Together, the Cash for Christmas program and the annual golf outing raised more than $500,000 for Mother McAuley during her tenure. 

Ellen speaks highly of her time at McAuley, maintaining life-long friendships and fond memories from her days as a Mighty Mac. Inspired by the camaraderie she experienced, she and her family helped support the FutureReady campaign as McAuley updated their student lounge and added the popular Kitty Mac Cafe. Their generosity ensures generations of McAuley students will continue to have a fun, comfortable place to gather together to study, share laughs, and create bonds that will last a lifetime.

Ellen is an active member of her community, supporting her parish of St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, IL where her grandchildren attend elementary school. She also continues to be involved at McAuley, volunteering time to chair the annual “Fore the Macs: Playing it Forward Golf Outing,” and worked on the committee for her 50th reunion.