Obituary of Kathy Elaine Rogers B.A., D.P.A.

On July 17, 2014 after a tenacious battle with terminal illness, Kathy joined her sisters, Linda, Carol and Julia, on the other side. Kathy was brought into this world by the late Eldon and Edna (Atkinson) Rogers on February 20, 1960. She is survived by her brothers David, Mark and Keith, Aunt Evelyn, and numerous cousins. Kathy is also survived by her long-time friend Susan. Kathy’s pride and joy in life were her nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and sisters, Kathy was predeceased by her brother, Eldie, nieces Mary Alanna and Jennifer, as well as her nephew Silas. Kathy was educated at Saint John High School (High Honors), Saint Mary’s University and Carleton University. During her Senior Year at both Saint Mary’s and Carleton, she was named Student of the Year. Kathy’s professional development continued through her lifetime including certificates in the fields of mind care, leadership, transport, decision making and writing, and languages including sign. In addition to academics, Kathy was an accomplished athletic and outdoors woman. She had both strength of mind and body. She particularly excelled in track and field, as well as field hockey which she played at the University level. Kathy was a natural athlete, adept at every sport, culminating in a Student Athletic Award in her Senior Year at Saint Mary’s. Also, Kathy was an avid deer and moose hunter, particularly in the area of her beloved Moosehorn Lodge, and duck hunting along the Saint John River. Scouting was of great interest to Kathy and she served for thirteen years as a Beaver Leader. Kathy’s devotion to public and private life is virtually unparalleled in the history of the City of Saint John, especially considering her tender years. In 1986, she became the youngest elected member of Common Council, serving three terms in that capacity. Kathy was instrumental in the founding and development of Skate To Care which led to the raising of millions of dollars for the Hospital Foundation. Her most recent major endeavour was her role in the annual Pond Hockey Tournament at Lily Lake. Kathy’s volunteer activities covered a large spectrum including the Preservation Review Board, Jeux Canada Games, Saint John Bi-Centennial, Power Boat Club, Saint John Police Auxiliary Officer, Recreation and Parks, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, Kidney Foundation of Canada, Habitat for Humanity, Epilepsy New Brunswick, The Irish Colleens and numerous other committees with the City of Saint John. Kathy’s professional life was focused in three main areas: health, transportation and tourism. In the health field, which was her major endeavour, Kathy held positions at CentraCare, Workers Compensation Board, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Concentra Managed Care. She held positions with both the City and Province in the development of tourism. Transportation pursuits were with the Princess of Acadia, Saint John Harbour Bridge Commission, D.M.K. Marine Services Ltd. and the Port of Bayside. Outside her family, Kathy’s greatest personal accomplishment in life was her never-ending advocacy for the "man on the street". No one except the individuals involved will ever know all the lives that Kathy has touched, but you know who you are. It would be remiss not to mention the people from "Up Country" whom Kathy loved dearly. A special thanks to all the health care providers at Saint John Regional Hospital (Neurology and Internal Medicine), Lahey Clinic, Extra-Mural, and Assessments Plus. In Kathy’s final hours, the skill and devotion that Ann, Sandra and Rita delivered will always be remembered and cherished by her family. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, Paradise Row, visitation will take place on Saturday, July 19 from 7-9pm and Sunday, July 20 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Rose of Lima on Milford Road on Monday, July 21 at 2:00pm. Interment will take place at a private family service on a later date. Donations in memory of Kathy may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Bon Voyage, "Widgee"