Catherine Victoria Rogers

Catherine Victoria Rogers, age 48, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, December 17th.

She had a painless passing, her brothers and children by her side. She was truly an angel on Earth, and continued to give even after her passing through the Donate Life program. Her energy will surely be missed, but her lessons and lively memories resonate now and forever within our hearts.

She graduated from Westhill High School in 1986 and received her AA in finance from Bryant & Stratton college. She initially worked in realty, but diligently worked up to a successful career in mortgage consulting. Her humble personality and warm smile drew people to her like moths to a flame. In 1988 she met James P. Rogers through her brothers' friends, and they dated for six years before being married in 1994. The following winter she had her first child, Kelsea Virginia; and twenty-one months later, Benjamin James arrived. She moved mountains with her faith and always had love in her heart to make others smile. It was admirable how many commitments she was able to balance, and still have energy at the end of the night to create an incredible dessert. A selfless soul, she recognized the importance in never speaking badly of others, and staying connected and authentic with those around her.

Her door was always open for people to stop by and visit. She knew how to make a pot of homemade soup that not only cured hunger, but one which had tangible amounts of love and consideration infused into it. The way she went out of her way to do and give all of these things mesmerized others. The truth was simple: she wanted everyone to feel comfortable in sharing themselves to create those special memories.
Every year she made grape jelly and tomato sauce from scratch, always changing or losing the recipe along the way, yet managing to "wing it" to perfection. Her daughter Kelsea loved learning the heirloom processes and techniques that Cathy once learned from the wise women of her family. They shared a special bond, always teaching and listening to one other on various topics. We sought to fully embrace the experience of mother-and-daughter, and naturally, test some boundaries while we were at it.

Her second child, Ben was often called "the terror", because he always caused excitement or just for everything to unexpectedly change. She often said that she saw so much of herself in him, and I see it most in how once they set their mind out to accomplishing something, they immerse themselves in it until they succeed. Although they often stressed each other out, she loved him endlessly and never gave up on helping him out and saying "I love you" in times of trouble.

As much as Cathy was a natural homebody, she had a very adventurous soul. Whenever she had an interest in learning something new she would start to glow and get right to work, maneuvering every obstacle to reach her goal. She simply enjoyed being on the move, physically or mentally. From camping, skeet shooting, sky diving, skiing, snowmobiling… you name it, she would do it. Her love for the outdoors led to unforgettable camping trips all over with her family; and her hours of garden work in the summer led to jars of pickled items and dried herbs that forever contain a part of her.

Cathy was an incredibly strong woman, and definitely the most important person in my life. Her honest life and heart of gold will never be forgotten, and will continue to motivate me in this life.

-Kelsea Rogers