Obituary of Loretta Anne Rogers
LORETTA ANNE ROGERS
Loretta passed away peacefully at her home in Toronto in the afternoon on Saturday, June 11, 2022, with her daughters and friends by her side.
Known for her strength, determination, humour and kindness, Loretta had been fighting a battle with cancer these past few months and left us all much earlier than planned.
Loretta leaves her four children: Lisa Anne (Paul), Edward Samuel III (Suzanne), Melinda Mary (Eric) and Martha Loretta; seven grandchildren: Chloe Alexandra Velma, Edward Samuel IV and Jack Robinson Miklos Rogers, Zachary Joseph, Nicholas Copeland, Charles Roland and Gigi Taylor Hixon. She will be missed by so many loving relatives in the extended Rogers, Taylor, and Robinson families, as well as friends and business associates which she had great impact on.
Loretta was born on April 13, 1939, in London, England, the daughter of Roland Robinson, 1st Baron Martonmere and Maysie Gasque. Loretta married Ted Rogers on September 25, 1963. Loretta and Ted lived as intensely proud Canadians, establishing their family in Toronto, while working together to build the business Ted’s father had started. A huge advocate of her husband’s vision, Loretta was his greatest supporter, as she was one of the company’s first investors, but was also one of his closest business confidants. They were a team, and together, they were able to build a national telecommunications, sports and media company that continues to thrive, while being a source of pride for all Canadians.
Loretta deeply believed in building a better future for all Canadians, investing financial support and her time in causes that she was passionate about. In 2014, Loretta led an unprecedented donation to establish the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, while also founding the Loretta A. Rogers Chair in Eating Disorders at Toronto General & Western Hospital, and the Ted Rogers Family Chair in Heart Function at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.
Loretta gave her time and involved herself in many organizations that meant a great deal to her and her family. Loretta served on the board of directors of the University Health Network Foundation since 2004, she was on the Bishop Strachan School Foundation from 1980 to 2009, was President and Director of the Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation since 1980, was on the board of directors of the Robert Bateman Foundation since 2012 and was the founding Director of Sheena’s Place.
Loretta, a very private and humble person, enjoyed spending her time with close friends and family. A passionate artist, Loretta’s works have been featured in art shows across Canada and in several books in support of The Canadian Wildlife Federation of which she was a dedicated supporter. Loretta spent a great amount of time painting with a close group of friends at a school they created, known as the Tobin Island School of Fine Art. Her paintings always seemed to display nature, centering around the beauty of Muskoka Lakes, or the tropics of the Caribbean.
Those close to her bore witness to the enjoyment she gleaned from being around water. A perpetual sun-seeker, Loretta embarked on travels with family to spend more time outdoors. She enjoyed spending time at Lake Rosseau, as well as swimming and snorkeling in the Bahamas.
Loretta was a force of nature; she had a wicked sense of humour and was a joyful matriarch, while being a positive role model for many strong women. The family will miss her presence, guidance, friendship, and leadership greatly.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Loretta A. Rogers Chair in Heart Function, at the UHN Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/LorettaRogers or call 416-603-5300. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
Friends may pay respects at The Bishop Strachan School Chapel, 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON M4V 1X2 between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20th. A funeral will be held in The Cathedral Church of St. James, 106 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 2E9 on Tuesday, June 21st at 11:00 a.m. As an artist, Loretta loved colour. Please dress accordingly.
© 2022 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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