Marion E. Rogers, 90, died unexpectedly, Monday, December 10, 2012, in Fletcher Allen Hospital, due to complications resulting from hip surgery. Her extended family surrounded her during her struggle, with her daughter, Patty and granddaughter, Nichole, holding her close at the very end.
She grew up in Barre and Waitsfield and was a 1940 graduate of Waitsfield High School. She was the eldest of nine children and played a key role in helping to raise her younger siblings.
On August 30, 1947, she married Randall L. Rogers in Barre. Randall and Marion initially made their home in Granville and Hancock, where they both worked in local mills during World War II. In 1959, they moved to Jericho.
Marion was a homemaker and Randall a dairy farmer. Marion will be remembered by her family for her wonderful baking and cooking. The farmhouse was always filled with the smells of fresh baked bread, rolls, cinnamon buns and homemade donuts. The grandchildren fondly remember her chocolate surprise cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, especially the ones where she forgot to put in the chocolate chips, and her "melt in your mouth" fudge at Christmastime. The spread she put out for the family Christmas Eve celebration could compete with any of today's best caterers!
She was also an avid reader, an enthusiastic shopper and loved experiencing new dining adventures, while enjoying her favorite cocktail. Marion and Randall enjoyed many summers at their camp on Porters Point overlooking our beautiful Lake Champlain. On June 1, 2012, Marion enjoyed a 90th birthday celebration, attended by family and friends. She was so radiant that evening and truly was the "belle of the ball."
Upon the death of her husband, Randall, on June 1, 1998, Marion came to live with her daughter, Patty and son-in-law, Greg, in their home in Essex Junction. Patty and Greg had the joy of Marion's company for 14 years, where her beautiful smile, life experiences and caring ways enriched their lives. Even as she began to experience health issues in the later years, she demonstrated incredible strength, courage and an uncompromising will that helped her be independent for as long as possible.
A fall in April 2012 required Marion to need more care and she moved to Starr Farm Nursing Center. During her nine-month residency at Starr Farm, she never complained and always greeted everyone with a smile. The staff always complimented Marion for her positive attitude, constant smile and gentle spirit. Randall and Marion raised four children: Ronald Comes, Kathie Davis (Tom), Daniel Rogers (Connie) and Patricia Walsh (Gregory).
In addition to her four children, she leaves her grandchildren, Deborah Provost (Jeffrey), David Comes (Laurie), Jeffrey Bishop, Sarah McSweeney, Lee Knowles, Niki Pyke, Stephen Rogers (Tammy), Travis Rogers, Adam Rogers, and Nichole LaForce. She also leaves 13 great-grandchildren, with Randall Bishop and Michael Provost holding a very special place in her heart. Marion is survived by her siblings, Polly Brochu, Terry Rushford, Lloyd Rivers (Donna), and Richard Rivers (Nancy). She also leaves many nieces and nephews, as well as a very dear friend and hair stylist, Shelly Chapin, whose weekly visits to Starr Farm Nursing Center enabled Marion to continue to enjoy one of her favorite things – having her hair washed and styled. Marion was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brothers Earl, Archie and Kenny Rivers; her sister, Irene Comes; sisters-in-law, Eunice Rivers and Jennie Rivers; brothers-in-law, Leon Brochu, Jasper Comes and Ralph Rushford; and son-in-law, Danny Knowles. Respecting Marion's wishes, there will be no calling hours and services will be private. Arrangements are being made by Gifford Funeral Home, 99 Depot Road, Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Road, Williston, VT 05495.
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