Obituary of Marion Martha Rogers

On Thursday August 29, surrounded by family, Marion Martha Rogers (Fleischauer) passed away peacefully at age 82. Predeceased by her husband of 50 years Larry (2023). Survived by her children Andrew (Diane), Sarah (Rob); sister Ruth Ann (Bill) Mills; niece Katie (Thomas); her grandchildren Hannah, Hudson, Ava, Emmett, Atticus, Maya and Winston; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, teachers, students and neighbours who adored her. Born in 1942 in small town of Zurich, Ontario (home of the Bean Festival) to Norman and Gertrude Fleischauer. Marion was a natural storyteller and would share memories when any of us would ask. How as a young girl her dad dropped her off on the edge of town so she could ride her new bike through the streets proudly showing her friends and family. Or how on Saturday nights the family would listen to their beloved Toronto Maples Leafs on the radio, because they didn’t get a tv until Marion was ten. At seventeen, she moved away from home to attend teachers college at The University of Western Ontario, later showing her support as a proud alumni and avid Mustangs football fan. After graduating at nineteen, Marion moved back to Zurich, teaching grades 1-8 in a one room school house in the tiny town of Shipka. Her dad notably followed her to work everyday that first year, ensuring she didn’t mail the envelope with the resignation letter she had on her dashboard. Marion then moved to Kitchener for two years, and finally London. Where she spent the remainder of her 35 years as a grade 3 and 5 teacher. Retiring from her beloved career in 1996 to spend more time with her family. Married to Lawrence in 1972, they welcomed their son Andrew in 1977 and daughter Sarah in 1981. The family spent many summers at Jays or Tigers games or the beaches of Lake Huron, a place that to this day remains a family favourite. Once in retirement Marion spent her time with friends, volunteering with various community groups, and happily spent hours in the yard pruning, raking leaves or as she would say “puttering”. Once she became a grandma, that role became the one she was truly most proud of. There were countless work days, Remark runs, daycare drop offs and pick ups, PD Days that wouldn’t have happened without her. She regularly made herself available to step in when we needed it. Each of her 7 grandchildren adored her, made her laugh and smile endlessly, and she made certain she was up to date with everyone’s schedules; involved and interested was an understatement. They can all look back and know they each had their own unique relationship with their grandma, she made sure to spend time showing up for them individually for all their important moments, games, and concerts. She was good at being a good person. There has been a constant theme to the things that get mentioned most about Marion, first how much she cared and asked about people’s lives with genuine interest. And her smile, how warm, and kind it was always. The family would like to thank the following individuals who are truly angels for doing the incredible work they do, and are so great at it: Dr Stephanie Solzc, Dr Jeffrey Hawel, Dr Mark Vincent, Erika, Suzy & the staff at Riverstone Retirement for taking such incredible care of her over the last nine months. The countless nurses, volunteers, PSW’s at St. Jospeh's Hospice of London, the grace with which you treat your patients, the kindness shown and dignity that is given those who are dying is remarkable. We are in awe of what you do each day, thank you. Dr Cathy Faulds, our lifelong guardian angel, seeing you day one in hospice made sense in every way that cannot be explained. Your support to our family over the last 35 + years, especially the last 3 weeks has been invaluable. We love you. The family has decided to hold a Celebration of Life in memory of Marion later this fall. Details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating money to St. Joseph’s Hospice of London in Marion’s name. And for everyone who hasn’t, go and get a colonoscopy!