Antoinette "Chi Chi" O. Roca's Obituary
Antoinette “Chi Chi” O. Roca
March 1, 1930 – July 2, 2020
Antoinette “Chi Chi” O. Roca (Sánchez-Martinez), 90, of Sarasota, formerly of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on July 2, 2020. She was born to Julian Sánchez Diaz and Ana Martinez-Hernandez on March 1, 1930 in Villafranca de los Barros, Extremadura, Spain. As a child she was nicknamed “Chi Chi” and was forever known by that name.
Antoinette is survived by her loving children, Natalie Roca Bezilla (Albert P. Bezilla) of Sarasota; Arthur J. Roca (Natalia Cherney Roca) of Ft. Lauderdale; and Carlos A. Roca of St. Petersburg, Fl, and by a host of nieces and nephews living in Spain. She was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Arturo “Arthur” Roca, in 1985, and by her parents, six siblings and numerous relatives in Spain.
Chi Chi moved from her hometown to live and work in Barcelona where she married the late Arthur Roca in 1956 at the Santa Ines Catholic Church. She and Arthur were adventurous and decided to “move to America!” where over the years she lived in several states including Maryland, Texas and Florida where her children were born. The family returned to live in Mallorca, Spain for four years and ultimately came back to the States to settle in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fluent in Spanish she also spoke English with a charming accent. Chi Chi together with her husband became proud US citizens in 1975. Chi Chi was a talented and creative artist who enjoyed painting Spanish bullfighters and flamenco dancers. In St. Pete she worked as a graphic artist creating fashion ads and as a store window display designer. An avid tennis player, she played regularly with friends who she jokingly referred to as “el tennis y happy hour gang”. She remarried in 1986 to Robert J. Dourney of New York, who passed away in 1991. After 40 years in St. Pete Chi Chi moved to Sarasota, Fl.
Chi Chi was outgoing, enjoyed socializing, dancing and was the life of the party – she was appreciated for her style, wit and humor. She was immensely proud of her children and leaves behind beautiful memories. Chi Chi will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.
Charitable donations to St. Raphael’s Catholic Church at www.st-raphaels.com or to the Children’s Dream Fund at www.childrensdreamfund.org may be made in lieu of flowers in Chi Chi's memory.
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