Obituary

Terrance (Terry) Edward Rocheleau 72, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, made his transition home on January 4th, 2024. He was a beloved Believer in Christ, Son,

Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather (Papa), Uncle, Friend, Mentor, Leader, and Servant at Saddleback and throughout the community. He was born on April 18th, 1951 in Windsor, Ontario Canada to his beloved parents Praxedes Idella Rocheleau and Lawrence Joseph Rocheleau.

Terry spent his early childhood in Canada until his family relocated to Southern California where he spent the remainder of his years. He met his cherished wife, Nanci at Fountain Valley High School, thus beginning their 48 years together – 44 of which were spent in a beautiful, playful, and committed marriage.

Terry began a career in the grocery business as a courtesy clerk at 15 years of age. He worked his way up through a multitude of positions over the course of 40 plus years culminating in his final leadership role of Vice President.

In the early part of his marriage and career, he also had two daughters – Shannon and Lindsey. Several years after Shannon and Lindsey left the nest, Terry retired and spent many years serving at Saddleback Church alongside his wife, Nanci.

Together they made a tremendous impact by serving consistently in Volunteer Central. As a volunteer, Terry leveraged his years of grocery experience and helped spearhead the launch of Saddleback Church’s Food Pantry which helped many in need over the years.

Terry is survived by his immediate family: Daughters Shannon Rocheleau Hill and Lindsey Finn, Sons-in-law Tony Hill and Travis Finn, Brothers Gary Rocheleau, Randy Rocheleau, Kenny Rocheleau, and Sister Susan Cheever, and Grandchildren Mikayla Rocheleau, Toni Hill, Corban Finn, Logan Finn, Jillian Finn, and Braylon Hill.

Terry had a noteworthy sphere of influence outside of his immediate family which touched thousands of people over the years; this included his church family, his grocery business family, his HOAG family, and those in the community with whom he would share his testimony and pray. Terry’s life these last several years included numerous medical challenges, yet he spent his days leaning into his faith in Jesus as well as finding comfort in the love and support brought forward by the community noted above.

Terry loved hard and cared deeply, but on the outside, he was known to some as the Gorilla, the Bear, or the Grumpy Uncle. He was a disciplined, routine oriented person yet he found joy in meeting new people, sharing his testimony, and finding teaching moments through his circumstances. Terry was a mentor and teacher to many, and his lessons will carry on as part of his legacy. Terry was someone people would look to for guidance, assistance, and career advice and he will be missed by many.