Doris E. Rogers (Theobald)

Doris E. Rogers, 96, of Honesdale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the family home where she resided since 1955.

Born in Honesdale on May 27, 1928, she was the oldest child of the late J. Alfred “Mocker” and Bertha (Holl) Theobald.

Doris graduated from Honesdale High School, class of 1946, and on September 5, 1949, married William E. Rogers, celebrating 57 years of marriage before his passing in 2007. Together they owned the Midtown Variety Store and worked side-by-side before retiring in 1995.

Doris was a member of the Women’s Club of Honesdale since 1954 and St. Mary Magdalen Church.  She and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels, and she volunteered for years for the Wayne Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, working at both the Other Shop and the hospital gift shop and serving as treasurer. She enjoyed reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, painting, bird watching, caning chairs, gardening, and playing games with her grandkids.

In her later years, she loved her Tuesday morning Canasta group at the library, especially playing with Evie, Ellen and Ingrid.  It made her day when she was lucky to get good cards.  Doris appreciated the caring friendships of Kathryn Meagher and Mary Radell.

Doris is survived by her children: Carolyn Freberg, Barbara (Ron Domurat), Bobby (Peggy McCormick), Margaret Giannelli (John), and daughter-in-law, Jaci Schwarz Rogers; grandchildren Matt and Bryan Freberg, Jordan, Adam and Grace Rogers, Sam, Mike and Jack Giannelli, and Kane and Chloe Rogers; eleven great-grandchildren and counting; her sister, Marie “Honey” Fritz; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her son, Billy; son-in-law, Don Freberg; brothers, Bill and Jim Theobald; and sister, Ann Billard.

Our mother’s greatest joy was raising her children, seeing her grandchildren thrive, and imparting upon us the lessons she learned from growing up during the depression and WWII. She was a breast cancer survivor and survived the sudden death of her beloved son, Billy.  We are grateful we were able to enjoy her company and benefit from her wisdom throughout her long life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paula Bennett, her caregivers: Barb, Marisa and Colleen, and Hospice of the Sacred Heart, for the excellent care she received.

A special thank you to her wonderful neighbors, the Jim Watson family.

Arrangements made by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no viewing. The funeral will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wayne County Public Library in her memory.