Obituary of Phyllis Rogers

Phyllis Marie Rogers, the retired Administrative Assistant to Burlington’s Town Manager, passed away after an extended illness at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill. She was 93 years old. Phyllis was born in Woburn, the daughter of the late Eugene and Emily McSweeney. She grew up in Woburn and was a 1939 graduate of Woburn High School. She married Edward Rogers in 1944 and they remained in Woburn until 1954 when they moved to Burlington. Mother to four children; she was still a career woman at heart. Once they reached school age she went back to work for the Town of Burlington. There, she spent 23 years in several positions, serving as interim town administrator on two occasions. She loved being involved in Burlington’s government; working with residents, officials and department heads. During those years she had her finger on the true pulse of Burlington. She found her work rewarding and felt she contributed to making Burlington such a wonderful town to live in. Phyllis was a humble and gentle soul. Her warmth and charm made everyone she knew feel loved and appreciated. At the same time, she was no pushover and would firmly stand her ground when she had to. She had a sincere interest in others and their needs, lives, and concerns. She loved reading, collecting antiques, and keeping up to date on town and national affairs. She was extremely independent and only in her later years did she concede to having any help with her daily tasks, and even then grudgingly. Phyllis never owned a car or drove at all. She was a common sight around town walking to Town Hall, the hairdresser, Dunkin Donuts, or any other destination. Even though many, including police on patrol and her own family, would stop to offer her a ride, she would rarely accept. The exercise surely contributed to her longevity. She also had a great sense of humor and quick smile. Phyllis loved her family and reveled in their successes, extended families, and her grandchildren, whom she treasured. Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late Edward R. Rogers who passed away in 1992. She was the loving mother of Craig Rogers & his wife Donna-Lee of Billerica, Philip Rogers & his wife Jean of Lowell, Kevin Rogers & his wife Debra of Suffield, CT, Susan McDonald & her husband Bruce of Warwick, NY. She was predeceased by her siblings; Emily Dubois, Eileen Pencek and Joseph, James, & Eugene McSweeney. Phyllis was the proud grandmother of Christopher, Kelsey, Kyle, Sherese & Matthew Rogers. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, BURLINGTON. In lieu of flowers memorials in Phyllis’s name may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., #9 Lawrence, MA 01843 or The One Company Fund, c/o Billerica Crossing, 20 Charnstaffe Lane, Billerica, MA 01821