Obituary of Dr. Editha P. Roldan, MD.

Editha Pepingco Roldan, M.D., 86, of Freehold, NJ passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at CentraState Medical Center surrounded by her loved ones.  Born in Himamaylan City, Philippines, she married her lifelong sweetheart, the late Jose Ma. Roldan, M.D., moved to New Jersey in 1960, raised her family in Parsippany, and eventually settled in Freehold in 2007.

A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Medical School (Class of 1959), she worked alongside her husband and fellow physician Jose, eventually opening a private practice together in Kearny from which they retired in 1994.

Beloved by her family, patients, and neighbors, Editha was a woman of many interests and talents.  Aside from the medical community who adored the attention and care she bestowed on them, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As matriarch of the Roldan Clan, she crocheted relentlessly, gifting scarves and afghans every Christmas and lavishing affection and life lessons throughout the year. When she wasn’t doting on her loved ones, you’d often find her in front of her bedroom TV watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, the NY Yankees, Mets, or the Stock Market… while simultaneously playing Solitaire on her bed. Or perhaps you’d find her in Atlantic City, scrutinizing the dealers or trying her hand at the slots.  But her favorite pastime?  Pouring a glass of Johnny Walker Blue and reveling in the family that she nurtured.

While she lived in Parsippany in the 70s to 90s, the backyard fence would serves as a protective barrier against the throngs of neighbors who would take a whiff of her famous BBQ chicken (“Ancient Chinese Secret,” she’d say, guarding the recipe), hoping for a taste or at least savor in the aroma. Her eggrolls and pancit were among her other relished but similarly protected culinary dishes, still recollected fondly by neighbors who probably haven’t tasted them in over two or three decades.

But nothing was more important to her than her family and beloved husband Joe. She watched over her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with the utmost compassion and love. Editha was the keystone and anchor of the family. The love and affection she lavished on them is immeasurable and they reflected it back in kind.  

Mom, “Mama D”, Dr. Roldan will be missed tremendously.

Editha was predeceased by her husband Jose but surrounded herself with her family.  She is survived by her children: Roy Roldan and his wife Arlene of Freehold, Rex Roldan and his wife Anne of Clayton, Joy Cardace and her husband Lou of Freehold, and Rey Roldan of Weekawken; nine grandchildren: Alexis (and her husband Michael), Alyssa, Melina, Nicholas, Joseph, Christopher, Gianna, Aileen, and Dominick; and two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Michael.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphi’s Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  For the safety of the public and the staff, we are asking everyone to help us adhere to the CDC guidelines. Facemasks will be required along with adequate social distancing.

To show your love, please gather at the Funeral Home at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 to join the procession to her 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township.  Interment will follow in Saint Anne’s Cemetery, 1610 Allenwood Road, Wall Township,  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made in Editha’s name to the American Heart Association, One Union Street #301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691.  For more information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.