Natalie E. Rogers

On Wednesday November 21, 2018 Natalie Rogers soul was reunited with her maker. She died peacefully at home surrounded by her family; she was undoubted greeted by relatives including her sister Carol (Paiva) Jacobs, in-laws Lucy and Eddie Rogers and her son Jeffrey Alan Rogers. Natalie was born in Fairhaven, MA on December thirty-first 1941, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Caroline (Lucas) Paiva. Natalie graduated from Fairhaven High school in 1959. Her formative years were challenging being the scapegoated child of a dysfunctional family. She however found people who served as mentors in her formative years - providing the love, guidance and support that was unavailable in her immediate family. She tolerated this dynamic for many years but in order to have a healthy life - she made a painful decision and walked away from her family of origin severing all ties. Natalie met her husband Carl during a dance at Lincoln Park - initially she didn’t like him but he was persistent and they eventually fell in love and were married in October of 1961.Many believed their marriage would end in divorce - but they exceeded everyone’s expectations and shared a deeply loving bond, they were married fifty seven years. Carl went into the Army during the Korean War - Natalie drove across country to be with him while he was stationed at Fort Carson CO - they shared some of their most memorable times while living in Colorado Springs. They later returned to MA, had two sons Carl Jr. and Jeffery Allan - who always felt their parents love and devotion. Natalie’s main focus was her family; she enjoyed being a homemaker and mother. Natalie created the family she never had - warm, friendly and loving - she was determined not repeat the mistakes of her parents and she succeeded. Natalie and Carl were both diagnosed with and battled cancer over the past several years. On October 10th of this year they both had appointments, at different locations but at the same time - to find out how their treatment was progressing. Carl was cancer free - Natalie’s test results were not yet completed. Upon hearing the news that her husband, Carl was cancer free Natalie cried out over the phone “I’m so glad you’re going to survive, finally some good news” this - without knowing her own prognosis. She possessed many qualities but her ability to put others before herself was one of her most admired. Natalie had a full life. She enjoyed cooking, baking, interior decorating, art, architecture, gardening, Broadway musicals, playing the slots and reading. Natalie also enjoyed traveling and had a fondness for nature and the National Parks, she enjoyed early American history, historical homes, folk art and living in New England, both for its history and change of seasons, and she most enjoyed the fall. Natalie was an adventurous, energetic spirit with a good sense of humor and willingness to help people in need. She instilled in her children the need to give back; both sons pursued careers in health and human services, which made her very proud. Natalie is survived by her husband Carl Rogers, their son Carl Rogers Jr and his husband Robert Rogers. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers Natalie requested donations to The American Cancer Society - she also wanted to remind parents “hug your children and tell them how much they are loved”.