Donna Jean Rogers

Donna Jean Rogers 1923 – 2015 Donna Jean Rogers, 91, passed away peacefully in her La Jolla home on January 20, 2015, surrounded by her grandchildren and family. She was born in Alma, Nebraska, a small farming town in March of 1923. Donna graduated from Alma High School, and went on to attain degrees from Chillicothe Business College and Emporia State College; before she married her first husband Dwayne Cary in 1943. Unfortunately, during the WWII Pacific Campaign, Dwayne died in battle, December 1944. One of Donna’s worst days was when she learned that Dwayne died in battle; but, a little over two years later was one of her best days, when she and Dr. Everette M. Rogers were married in Omaha, Nebraska in 1947. Everette began his medical practice in La Jolla, Ca. in 1952. Donna threw herself into community activities, such as Las Patronas, and other charitable services. La Jolla was small, and Everette’s family practice became known as “the Marcus Welby of La Jolla”, and Donna was by his side throughout the community’s growth. But more important to Donna was family, and her four children. She was a devoted mother who cherished her family. She defined unconditional love, and was the soul of the family. She was instrumental in our annual family trips. We have long memories of traveling in a station wagon with no AC to every state west of the Mississippi; and, enjoying every National Park and every mile of highway. And, memories of our frequent trips to a Julian cabin. Donna found great joy in her family as a homemaker, but she also was an avid Charger fan, loved reading biographies, a little Frank Sinatra, Wednesday nights at the La Valencia, Christmas mornings with family, and the love she held for her two younger sisters, June and Rita. Preceding her death were her parents, Mabel and Herbert Stevenson; her husband Dr. Everette Rogers; her sister June Fawell. She is survived by her children Bill Rogers, Nancy Rogers, Dan Rogers, and Sally King; sister Rita Biskup; and her grandchildren Max and Joslyn Rogers, Michael and Katie O’Connor, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Donna was a pillar of love for our family, and is dearly missed. A private ceremony will be held January 30. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com Donations can be made at www.elderhelpofsandiego.org