Joanne M. Roque

FALL RIVER — Joanne M. Roque, who joined the staff of Madonna Manor in North Attleboro 30 years ago, has been named the new leader of Diocesan Health Facilities, the administrative entity that oversees all five skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities sponsored by the Fall River Diocese.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., announced the appointment of Roque as chief executive officer of the Diocesan Health Facilities group earlier this month. Her appointment becomes effective July 1 and follows the retirement of Reverend Monsignor Edmund J. Fitzgerald after 31 years as the Diocesan Health Facilities executive director.

With a mission of providing extended care to the chronically ill and disabled, with special emphasis on the care of the frail elderly, the Diocesan Health Facilities Office serves almost 900 men and women in its five facilities: Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River; Madonna Manor, North Attleboro; Marian Manor, Taunton; Our Lady’s Haven, Fairhaven; and Sacred Heart Home, New Bedford. It also offers two community-based programs that support independent living, EldersFirst and Bethany House adult day health in Taunton.

Roque was hired as the assistant director of nursing at Madonna Manor in 1989 and went on to serve as its director of nursing, director of clinical administration, and then the home’s administrator.  In 2004 she came to the Diocesan Health Facilities Office, which is based in Fall River, as Director of Clinical Services, overseeing clinical operations across the entire 879-bed system.

“I am thankful to be given the opportunity to lead the next chapter of the Diocesan Health Facilities,” Roque shared. “I’m excited to be afforded the opportunity to continue working with the many dedicated members of our teams that fulfill our mission in delivering compassionate care encompassing the various needs of the residents and families that we serve.”

In announcing her appointment, Bishop da Cunha noted her decades of experience in health care.

“Joanne has exemplified the mission of our Diocesan Health Facilities and demonstrated a true dedication to those in need of care through her 30-years of service in various roles at Madonna Manor and most recently with her oversight of clinical operations for entire Diocesan Health Facilities group,” he said.

Roque holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master of science in health care administration, both from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI. Earlier in her career, she worked as a nurse and then nurse manager at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.

A resident of Attleboro, she is a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in that city. For the past three years, she has served as a board member for the non-profit agency, Bristol Elder Services.

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River