Obituary of Dorothy Rogers

ROGERS, Dorothy - Peacefully, on Thursday November 11, 2010, with her family at her side, Dorothy passed away at St. Joseph's Hospice, Sarnia, after a brief and very sudden illness. The significant loss to her brothers and sisters, to her nieces and nephews and their children will be tempered by wonderful memories of her passion, love and the interest she took in their lives. Cherished sister of Eileen (Bill) Adams, Gerry (Liz) Rogers, Maureen Wiechula and Jim (Ann) Rogers. Beloved aunt of Elaine, Philip, Gerald, Alan, Jane, Brian, Louise, Keith, Marlene and Sheila and great aunt of James, Christine, Andrew, Julia, Anna, Sarah, Claire, Sophie, Helen, Paul, Joanne, Tom, Francesca, Alex, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Elliot, Charlie, Bryony, Cameron, Liam, Corey and Darcy. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Ena Rogers and brother-in-law, Bernard. Born in Scotland in 1935, Dorothy began her career as a teacher in Glasgow. In 1960 she accepted a post in the Persian Gulf. In 1964 she emigrated to Canada where she was employed by the Separate School Board of Sarnia. She further pursued her educational qualifications and ultimately completed her Doctorate in Education from Wayne State University. Dorothy was well known in Sarnia throughout her career with the Sarnia Separate School Board as a teacher, consultant and also as the first principal of Gregory Hogan School. During this period Dorothy co-authored a primary reading series called "Pig in a Wig" with her colleague, Beth Parkinson. A new life opened up for Dorothy on her retirement, when, as an active member of Queen of Peace Church, she prepared the weekly bulletin, organized fund raisers, taught the First Communion class, read and sang at mass regularly, initiated the children's choir and was a member of the parish council. As an avid gardener, this amazingly energetic woman still found time for fund raising for the Sarnia Horticultural Society and initiating a tree planting project in the Twin Lakes park area. Dorothy will be remembered in the community for her brilliant teaching, her angelic singing, her fantastic garden, her beautiful smile and above all for her service to others. Fun-loving, youthful in outlook and brimming with enthusiasm, Dorothy revelled in family gatherings. May her legacy of joy live on. Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N Christina St., Sarnia on Tuesday, November 16th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm where prayers will be offered at 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church on Wednesday, November 17th at 10 am. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may send memorial donations to St. Joseph's Hospice, Sarnia, London Health Sciences Centre (University Campus) or Bluewater Health, Sarnia. Messages of condolence and personal memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com. A tree will be planted in memory of Dorothy Rogers in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area