Dorothy Honora Rodgers "Nora"

Dorothy Honora Rodgers, ‘Nora’, died July 1, 2018 at The Lakeside, Willow Valley. Family, faith, friends, and a love of learning and finding new challenges defined her life. She was born October 5, 1922 in St. James Hospital, Newark, NJ to Edward and Margaret McMinnen McCaffrey. Her mother died when she was 11, and she and her younger sister, Evelyn, lived with their father and paternal grandmother for a time. She attended St. James grammar school and had fond memories of many caring and hard working nuns who gave her additional support and time. After graduation from East Side High, she had a two year scholarship to nearby Montclair State College for mathematics and completed her bachelor’s degree at night at Seton Hall University whilst working full time. She found fulfillment in working at a bank though she regretted she didn’t have the funds to complete the prerequisite internship in or to become a high school mathematics teacher. Her first husband, Herbert Otto, died in 1956. She and her second husband, Charles J. Rodgers, married in 1958 and came to Lancaster. She said the view of blossoming cherry trees on North President Avenue convinced her of the beauty of Lancaster, as well as the gorgeous countryside seen on the Amtrak train - first impression. Dorothy and Charles lived happily on North Bausman Drive, in a house she decorated with love and style, hosting many fun parties, and appreciating the kindness and community of the neighborhood. She was an active parishioner at St. Philip the Apostle Church and attended mass regularly at St. Joseph Church and the former St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she helped run the former gift shop. She loved working at the YW Town Fair, enjoyed keeping score records for the Meadia Heights women’s groups, and volunteered at Lancaster Country Day, the YWCA, and St. Philip’s. She had several holes in one at golf in VT and FL, and many happy memories of time at Meadia Heights golfing, and playing bridge. She leaves a legacy of love, devotion to family and friends, service to the community, and a keen sense of humor and style. Dorothy was predeceased by both husbands, her beloved younger sister, Evelyn and brother-in-law, Leo, two cousins who served in the Order of St. Joseph, her sisters-in-laws, Frances and Catharine, her dear friend, Joan Crawford Reid, and her many friends on North Bausman Drive and in the Willow Valley community. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine and son-in-law, Louis Perez and sister-in-law, Geraldine (all NJ), and dear nieces and nephews, Patricia (late Frederick), James (Eileen), Margaret (George), Catherine (Patrick), and Leo. Dorothy’s family wishes to thank the caregivers at Manor North, The Glen, Arbor View, and The Lakeside (Willow Valley), and Lancaster Pinnacle and Lancaster General. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dorothy’s Memorial Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Lawrence Sherdel, Celebrant officiating. Private interment at St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA. Memorials in Nora’s name may be sent to the scholarship fund at Willow Valley, St. Philip’s Church, or the Lancaster Humane Society or Pet Pantry of Lancaster.