Dorothy E. Rogers

Dorothy Elizabeth (Roy) Rogers, age 86, entered eternal life on Wednesday October 12, 2016, in the serene and comforting surroundings of Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, Michigan. Her spirit is carried on by her five children, large extended family and many dear friends and acquaintances. Mom touched many lives following her birth to proud parents, Thomas and Virginia (Solway) Roy, in Bay City, MI. Sugar Island was home for the family, growing to include younger sisters, Ivalena and Evelyn. Dorothy was cherished as a confidante, source of wise sisterly advice and could handle a team of horses, "as well as any man." As the daughter of farmers, "farm sense" impacted all aspects of her life. Thoughtful planning, work ethic, personal accountability and the mantra, "It is better to wear out than rust out," governed her character. Elementary school on Sugar Island consisted of a one-room schoolhouse and Dorothy literally skied across the landscape in winter to attend. Mom continued her love of gliding over the snow and in later years could be seen traversing the fields behind her home on Mackinac Trail, near the Sault. Dorothy attended Sault High School where she met future husband, Hubert Rogers. They married in 1947 and shared 67 years of marriage. She demonstrated daily her commitment to family and faith through her wisdom, bountiful patience and unconditional love. That the family attend St. Mary's Church and St. Mary's School was a priority. Her lasting dedication to St. Mary's school began over 45 years ago when she lead fund raising for the development of St. Mary's School first hot lunch program. The goal was healthy lunches, made "from scratch," and it succeeded. Dorothy enjoyed a long career at War Memorial Hospital. With children at home and working full time she returned to school, ultimately attaining the title of Director of Medical Records. Her career also included a fulfilling era employed by Dr. Ganzhorn as well as the Chippewa County Health Department. Mom thoroughly enjoyed working for, and within, the Sault Sainte Marie community that she loved. Dorothy also brought contagious energy in her early role as vice-president of the Coast Guard Wives Club and welcomed countless voters to elections as a poll worker. Later in life she served briefly as a board member at Hearthside Assisted Living, where she also visited residents and tended the flower gardens. There was an unbelievable amount of life and energy embodied in so petite a package. Mom always found the time to offer a word of cheer, and a listening ear to friends that crossed all generations. She could be counted on to deliver fresh baked goodies and beautifully crafted aprons to St. Mary's Church bazaars. Her passion and knowledge of flower gardening thrilled all passers-by. A firm believer in the tradition of handwritten notes and letters, personal messages in her beautiful penmanship were a trademark. She was also an avid quilter and those beauties are prized by family. Mom was a firm believer in a positive attitude in that it also lifts the spirits of others. During her hospitalizations, while combating the illness that would eventually claim her, mom was fondly referred to as, "Little Miss Sunshine" by hospital staff. Dorothy is survived by a son, Randy (Bonnie) of Brimley, MI; daughters, Carol (Gary) Collins of West Chester, PA; Toni (Brad Crabb) of the Sault; Cindy (Tim) Huston of River Falls, WI; and Evelyn (Mike) Caplan of Long Island, NY. Ten grandchildren fondly remember Grandma's involvement in their lives: Kristin (Darin) Rubenzer, Chelsea and Randall Rogers; Michael, Kevin, and John Atteridg; Zach (Wenjing) Fredman, Rebecca (Mordechai) Fredman Bronner, Benjamin Fredman, and Rachel (Sean) Lyngaas. Five great-grandchildren are forever blessed by Dorothy's delight over their sweet presence: Isaac, Delaney and Noah (Kristin); Shoshanna (Rebecca) and Sylvia (Zach). She is lovingly remembered by sisters Ivy Piche and Evelyn Herd and brother-in-law James Herd. She remains a special "Aunt Dorothy" to many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by parents Tom and Virginia Roy, husband Hubert R. Rogers who passed in 2014 and brother-in-law Al Piche. For providing family and friends cherished time, a special thank you to Dr. Chander, Petoskey neurosurgeon Dr. Colen and the Karmanos Cancer Institute of Petoskey. Visitation will be held at St. Mary's ProCathedral Mary Room, 320 E. Portage Avenue from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17th. A Funeral Mass will follow also at St. Mary's at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dorothy's memory with a gift to St. Mary's School, 360 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

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Dorothy E. Rogers

January 5, 1930 - October 13, 2016