Obituary of Fern Rogers

Fern Violet Rogers (nee Hill) July 9, 1914 - October 23, 2013 Died at Mackenzie Health, in her 99th year. Predeceased by Ted, her husband of 71 years. Survived by her daughter Susan Donaldson (Bill) and son Robert (Carla); grandchildren Leanne Donaldson, Michael Donaldson (Krista) and Andrea Donaldson (Robert); and great-grandchildren Avery, Graydon and Theo. Caring for family came first, and not just the nuclear family, but her mother as she aged and an extended family in-laws, nieces and nephews. Fern was an interesting study in contrasts: Rules were rules, but with her children and grandchildren she could be strict one minute; indulgent the next. With her great-grandchildren, indulgence was the norm. She was a woman of deep interests. After the children were in school full time, she earned her degree in Child Development at the University of Toronto. She may not have been a natural chef, but with classes and endless study she became a superb cook. She excelled at rug hooking and needle work, and became quite the green thumb with violets blooming under the lights all year round. And don't get us started on bridge! She played into her nineties at Concorde Place and the Donalda Club. And golf every day at Grandview in Muskoka was a ritual until her 95th year. A true picture of Fern wouldn't be complete without a mention of her greatest preoccupations: her hair and clothes. According to Fern, you could never have too many outfits. And the proof was in her closets. Over a span of 70 years she never missed her weekly hair dresser appointment. The family thanks the staff at Revera (Donway Place), Sunrise Senior Residence, Richmond Hill and the palliative care unit at McKenzie Health for their support and compassion. A private funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation, 825 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto M4C 3E7. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.