Mary Elizabeth “Mollie” Rogers, 86, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2016, at her home in Vero Beach, following a long illness. She was surrounded by those who loved her most.
She is survived by her husband Charles Graydon “Gray” Rogers; her children Bronwyn “Bronnie” Rogers Parlette (David), David Rogers (Maureen), Stacy Rogers Golding (Rob), Stuart Rogers (Brooke); six grandchildren, Christopher Golding (Pamela), Alexandra Golding, Chase Rogers, Catherine Golding, Samantha Rogers Mathurin (Jean Michael), Graydon Rogers; and one great-grandchild, Payton Rogers Mathurin. Her only sibling, Frank Edwards (Linda), also survives her.
Born and raised in Lansford, Pa., Rogers was the first child and only daughter of Frank R. and Mary E. Edwards. She attended Lansford High School graduating in 1947. After briefly attending Linden Hall School, she moved on to Bucknell University where she met her husband, Charles Graydon “Gray” Rogers. They were married in December of 1951.
After several years in and around Philadelphia, she and Gray relocated to the Morristown, N.J. area where they lived for almost 50 years before moving to Vero Beach full-time in 2012. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.
Always intellectually curious, Rogers earned two Masters degrees and taught English and Social Studies for many years at William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge, N.J. while raising her family.
She was an avid reader and lover of literature. Other passions included gardening, golf, travel and volunteering. For many years she served on the board of Family Service of Morris County (now a part of Cornerstone Family Programs), a number of them as president. Rogers’ Welsh heritage was an important part of her identity and she enjoyed researching her ancestry and keeping in touch with her army of cousins.
Rogers was quite feisty and was known to have a quick temper. Aversions included any shade of purple, poor grammar and anyone who failed to remember to spell her name with an “ie” instead of a “y.”
For many years she and Gray were members of the Morris County Golf Club in Convent Station, N.J. In Florida their affiliations include The Orchid Island and Bent Pine clubs. They were also long-time members of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown before joining the Community Church in Vero Beach more recently.
Mollie will be laid to rest near her beloved Greenwood Lake in Hometown, Pa. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mollie’s memory can be made to the VNA and Hospice Foundation, 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or vnatc.com.
