Judith Rogers Dill

Judith Rogers Dill Lansing Judith Rogers Dill, 69, of Lansing, Michigan, died on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, with family and close friends at her side. In spite of a long struggle with cancer and Parkinson's disease, Judy led a rich life until the end, playing her ukulele, bird watching, pursuing wide-ranging interests on her iPad, telling stories and visiting with family and friends. Her sweet, spirited personality charmed the staff at Stoneleigh Hospice Residence in Lansing, where she spent the last week of her life. Judy was born Novenber 2, 1942, in Wayland, NY, to Burr Adair Rogers and Jean Loveland Rogers. She graduated from Wayland High School in 1960. She received a degree in German language from the University of Rochester, NY, in 1964, after which she spent a memorable post-baccalaureate year at the University of Cologne in Germany. She attended graduate school at the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan, from which she received a Ph.D. in German language and literature in 1979. Judy taught German language and humanities courses at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She completed a degree in information systems at Lansing Community College in 1982 and then held positions in information systems management with several local companies. She retired in 2004 after a number of years with Michigan National Bank. Judy was an accomplished amateur musician particularly interested in Renaissance and Baroque music. She played several instruments including recorder, viola da gamba and harpsichord. She sang for a number of years with local choral groups, mostly recently with Arts Chorale of Greater Lansing. Judy is survived by Carrie Thorn, her life partner of 26 years, and their beloved small poodle, Pippin; best friend Sharon Rambo and husband Tom Caulder of East Lansing; niece Bonny Altamura and husband Rob and family of Kent, NY; nephew Charles Rogers and wife Shelly of Scottsville, NY; nephew Wilfrid Dill and wife Ingrid and family of Vancouver, BC; and a number of close friends. Judy is also survived by Carrie's family, whom she loved: parents Thomas and Constance Thorn of Eagle, MI; sister Phyllis Thorn of Eagle, MI; sister Brenda Hill of Williamston, MI; brother Thomas and wife Shirley Thorn of Eagle, MI; niece Megan Harnett of Gulfport, MS; and nephews Justin Fuller and Ian Thorn of Rawlins, WY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burr and Jean Rogers; cousin, Jennette VanPatton; and ex-husband and close friend, Heinz Dill. A memorial service to honor Judy's life is planned for 4 pm Saturday, September 8, at Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing. Rev. Jon Lacey will officiate. Donations in remembrance of Judy may be sent to Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, 4052 Legacy Parkway, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48911. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com