Valerie E. Rogers
Community Volunteer
TEWKSBURY: Valerie E. (Benson) Rogers, age 67, a well known Tewksbury community volunteer, and retired North Street School secretary, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at her home with her family by her side.
She was the beloved wife of Gerald J. "Jerry" Rogers, who passed away on May 5, 2004.
Born in Arlington on October 27, 1941, she was the daughter of the late John H. and Virginia (Davis) Benson.
Mrs. Rogers was raised in Arlington, attended Arlington schools and graduated from Arlington High School in 1959.
Prior to her retirement in 2003, she was employed for 25 years as the secretary at the North Street School in Tewksbury.
She resided in Arlington and Somerville until moving to Tewksbury in 1967.
Mrs. Rogers was a very active volunteer in the Tewksbury community, and according to her daughters, "if any school or community organization needed help Val was always there to lend a hand".
Most recently, she dedicated her time to the Tewksbury Historical Society, where she served as treasurer and the Public Health Museum at the Tewksbury Hospital, where she was a member of the Board of Directors and assisted visitors during tours.
Mrs. Rogers also enjoyed working with ceramics and will lovingly be remembered for her expertise in cake baking and cake decorating.
She is survived by two daughters, Virginia L. "Ginny" Rogers of Medford and Kristina M. Rogers, with whom she resided of Tewksbury; two sisters; her best friend, Katie Cavanaugh of Tewksbury; as well as many extended family members.
Calling hours Thursday, June 11th, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral service Friday, June 12th, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Public Health Museum at Tewksbury Hospital, 365 East St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 are suggested.