Mary Alma Rogers

Mary Alma Rogers, 89, passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Vernon, BC on March 9, 2026. Born December 17, 1936 in Yakima, WA to John and Mary Villesvik and spent her childhood years in Yakima where she developed a talent and love for music. After graduating from high school Mary attended the University of Washington in Seattle, earning a Bachelor of Music Degree, and while she was there she met her husband-to-be, Robert Rogers. She and Bob married in Yakima, WA in 1960, and relocated to Vancouver where she spent most of her life.

Mary was a loving, caring and supportive wife, mother and grandmother. While raising her family she taught piano in her home to numerous students for many years. She also enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Phillip's Anglican Church, and in later years the Brock House Seniors Choir. For several years Mary also played piano for numerous seniors' residences in the lower mainland. Mary had a lifelong love of languages and travel. Over the years she studied French, Norwegian, and Italian and after Robert's retirement they enjoyed many trips abroad. An avid Scrabble player, Mary enjoyed playing online and in person. Mary had a wonderful sense of humour and had a particular proclivity for and love of puns. In 2008 her husband Robert passed away and in 2011 she married Len Lythgoe. She and Len enjoyed travelling as well, and in 2021 they relocated to Vernon, BC to be closer to family.

Mary's family would like to thank N.P. Graeme Rosenfeld for the wonderful care he provided for her over the last years of her life, and the management, staff and residents of Canterbury Court Senior's Residence in Vernon for their care and companionship. Thanks also to the wonderful physicians, nurses, care aides and volunteers and the North Okanagan Hospice House in Vernon where Mary spent her final weeks. Your care and compassion was exemplary.

Mary is survived by her brother Alan (Dottie) sons Bob (Ramona), Tony (Beth) and Chris, grandchildren Brennan Rogers (Courtney), Zachary Rogers, Joshua Rogers, Malia Rogers (Matthew) and Jaida Rogers. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Villesvik, brother John (Jack) Villesvik, and husbands Robert Rogers and Leonard Lythgoe.

As per Mary's wishes there will not be a funeral or memorial, and in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the North Okanagan Hospice Society.