Eileen Thompson Rogers of Rye, NH, and Waitsfield, VT, widow of
Harris Rogers, died Wednesday, August 12, 2009, after a period of
declining health, surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. She
was born on August 11, 1917, the older daughter of David and Marietta
(Brown) Eastman.
Eileen lived her first seven years on her paternal family farm in
Topsham, VT, where her mother was a teacher at the single-room
schoolhouse, and the rest of her long life on her maternal family
property in Rye, NH. Eileen was a graduate of Portsmouth High School
and a Girl Scout leader for many years.
She was a descendant of the earliest settlers of Rye, Portsmouth and
Hampton, a lifelong member and past regent of the Ranger chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, and a proud and respected member
of Clan McTavish/Thompson. Her love of Vermont and coastal New
Hampshire came forth with a strong Yankee background which is a source
of great pride. She lived her long life with this rich heritage in mind
and these values have been an inspiration to her many family members.
Mrs. Rogers leaves three daughters, Priscilla Metalious and her husband
George of Rye, NH, Abigail Cooper and her husband Jeffrey of
Portsmouth, NH, and Mary Ann Jackson of Newburyport, MA; along with
11grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, Lisabeth Magoun and daughter
Meredith of Waitsfield, VT, Martin MacGowan of Topsham, VT, Stefania
Metalious of Rye, NH, Sarina Reddy of Newburyport, MA, Felicia Burris
Khan of Pune, India, Salim Khan of Baocici, Montenegro, Nicole Welch of
Virginia Beach, VA, Scott Sawtelle of Sanford, FL, Oliver Sawtelle of
Newburyport, MA, Christopher Sawtelle of Newburyport, MA, and Amanda
Valli of So. Berwick, ME. She is survived by her sister, Ruby Schultz
of Eliot, ME.
The family will hold a graveside service at their convenience. In lieu
of flowers contributions may be made to NH SPCA of Stratham, NH, from
whom she adopted many faithful pets.
