Mary L Rodger's Obituary
Mary L Rodger
October 28, 1936 to May 15, 2023
Mary Rodger was born at Saint Frances Hospital in San Francisco on October 28, 1936. Her father was San Francisco Bulletin political cartoonist, Douglas Rodger and her mother, Alice Kennedy Rodger, was a homemaker. Mary spent her early childhood in Mill Valley with her parents and two older sisters, Sis (Janet) who was eight years older and Marjory who was ten years older. When Mary was in junior high, her mother became permanently disabled with multiple sclerosis and her father died, so she moved to Alameda to live with Sis and her husband. She graduated from Alameda High in 1954 spending most of her life in Alameda County, including Hayward and Oakland.
Although she never married and had no children, Mary was deeply loved by her family which included seven nieces and three nephews, and her gentle spirit drew many friends. Mary loved animals, and enjoyed gardening, baking, and painting. For many years, Mary worked in the cafeteria at an elementary school near her home in Hayward. For the last two decades of Mary’s life, she resided at a board and care facility in Oakland. She was a regular at the South Berkeley Center for Elders’ Independence. Staff, residents and friends appreciated Mary for her thoughtfulness and kindness. She is missed by all who knew her.
Mary’s death on May 15th, 2023 was preceded by Sis’s passing in 2015 and Marjory’s in 2019. Her mother died in 1967. Mary’s favorite holiday was Halloween since it is so close to her birthday. Mary, each Halloween we will remember you and honor you. We love and miss you.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?