Mary Lynn Rodgers

About

Wauwatosa East High School University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Mary Rodgers Obituary

Mary Lynn Rodgers Surrounded by her family at home, Mary Lynn Rodgers passed away peacefully on June 30, 2013 after a courageous fight with cancer. Mary Lynn was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on May 26, 1953. She graduated from Wauwatosa East High School in 1971 and went on to earn an Early Childhood Education degree from UW Milwaukee in 1975. Mary Lynn worked as an Early School Senior Teacher at The Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin. She lovingly welcomed pre-school aged children to her Shining Stars classroom every day for 34 years. She cultivated a love of learning by guiding her students to explore the world around them while interacting with their peers. Mary Lynn was a mentor to many teachers at The Prairie School and a partner to countless parents. Mary Lynn is survived by her loving son, Thomas J. Rodgers II (Stephanie), and husband, Ron Hoerner. Mary Lynn is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Zoey, Emma, and Stella Rodgers and siblings, Jeanne Olinger (Mark), Scott Homa (Lisa), and Steve Homa (Mary Frances), and Nancy Rodgers. She is further survived by Brian and Lauren Olinger; Matthew, Sarah, Jack, and Kate Olinger; Jacob and Margaret Homa; and Katy, Bekka, and Jessy Homa. Mary Lynn is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. Rodgers. The memorial service will be held at The Prairie School, 4050 Lighthouse Dr. Racine, WI on July 13 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Prairie School, 4050 Lighthouse Dr. Racine, WI 53402. An Early School Scholarship in Mary Lynn's name is planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Racine Journal Times on Jul. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Rodgers

13 Entries

Melissa Warner

July 15, 2013

Tom - I am so sorry to hear the news. Your mom and I shared 18 years at Prairie, and what I remember is how much she treasured you, how important in her life you were. I know how proud she was of you, and the life you've made.

Kelly Graham

July 10, 2013

I just heard of Mary Lynn's passing through a very close friend of mine and was both shocked and truly saddened. Mary Lynn has always held a very special place in my heart. She was one of the very first friendly faces I saw at Prairie when she became my son, Shane's, Early School teacher 23 years ago, and one of the very last friendly faces from Prairie I saw at my mother, JoAnne Lesmeister's, wake almost 7 years ago. There was no-one I knew with a bigger heart of gold and although I only said the occasional "hi" to her on Facebook in recent years, or made comments on her beautiful grand babies, she knew how I felt about her. I will miss you Mary Lynn. But, Mom is lucky to have you back with her. Angels... ??????

Kathryn Boero

July 7, 2013

Words cannot begin to express how much Mary Lynn will be missed each day, both at Prairie School as well as in the daily lives of so many. Mary Lynn was a source of strength in my life, and I am broken hearted to lose her as a colleague and dear friend. Whenever I see a monarch butterfly, I will think of Mary Lynn. I know she is in the arms of her beloved mother, and will be a special guardian angel to her granddaughters. Mary Lynn will always be remembered and dearly missed, Kathy Boero

Nancy DeMark

July 4, 2013

Our family is so sad to hear about Mary Lynn. Five of our children were blessed to have had her as their preschool teacher at Praire School. We all loved her sunny and bright disposition. We have such good memories of her. She was truly special. Our deepest condolences go out to her family.

Eileen Corba

July 3, 2013

As Lower School Secretary at The Prairie School I witnessed daily her love and care for the little ones placed in her charge. The sheer joy from her smiles will always be a special memory for me. My son David did his In service in her classroom and she would bend over with laughter at the 3yr olds climbing all over 6'6" of him. She was a very special person and we are all blessed for having known her. God Bless Mary Lynn. Tommy you and your family are in my prayers.
Eileen Corba

Marsha Frankovis

July 3, 2013

I felt Mary Lynn's love as a friend, observed her love for teaching little people, and her heartfelt love for her family. She touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth. I am glad to have memory of her loving ways, and know her wings fold around those who miss her. My sympathy goes to those who mourn her passing.

July 3, 2013

I will never forget the first day of school for Ashleigh with Mrs. Rodgers; she was inside the classroom crying, and I was outside the classroom door sitting on a bench crying as well! Rest In Peace and thank you for the lovely memories.

July 3, 2013

We pray all of you will sense the Lord's comfort and that you will draw strength from each other and the wonderful memories of your beautiful Mary Lynn.
With much love from Gary and Mary Connell

Cindi Putz

July 3, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

July 3, 2013

Mary Lynn was a wonderful friend and colleague. I will miss her so very much.
I would always see the love and pride in her eyes when she spoke about her son Tommy through the years and especially about his wife and little girls.
I was in awe of her as I watched her with the littlest students in the school. She was a remarkable teacher.
Her passing is a great sadness for all who knew her.
Claudia Kalinoski

July 3, 2013

Mary Lynn was a wonderful friend and colleague. I will miss her so very much. I would see the love and pride in her eyes when she spoke about her son Tommy through the years and especially about his wife and little girls.
I was always in awe of her and her work with the littlest students at the school.
Her passing is a great sadness for so many who knew her.
Claudia Kalinoski

Patty Eaton

July 3, 2013

Thank you for being a caring friend with your encouragement and support. You will be sorely missed.

Angela Schultz

July 3, 2013

You were truly the brightest of the Shining Stars and led countless students and colleagues to amazing discoveries. I was truly blessed to have known you. My deepest sympathies to your family.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results