Mary Veronica Rogan

Mary Veronica Rogan (née Kavanaugh), age 93, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, May 23, 2025, just two days shy of her 94th birthday.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to William and Margaret Kavanaugh, Mary graduated from St. Mary's High School in Cambridge in 1949. During these formative years, she worked several jobs, performed in school plays and musicals, with quick wit and easy laugh. Her love of music and the arts would stay with her for life.
That same love of music brought her to the stage-and to her future husband, John "Jack" Rogan. The two met as teenagers while performing in a local production of The Rose of Tralee, with Mary in the role of Peggy O'Neil and Jack as Shaune y O' Shea. They married in 1952 and spent 65 years together.
When Jack joined the United States Army that same year, Mary embraced the challenges and adventures of military life. The couple moved frequently, including a posting in Heidelberg, Germany. They eventually settled in Connecticut and raised seven children together.
Mary will be remembered by many in her community as a gifted singer. She sang in her church choir for decades-often as a soloist-and continued singing whenever she could, even in her final days. By sharing her voice, she brought joy, happiness, and inspiration to those around her.
Discovered as a young teenager by variety show producer Eddie Lyons, Mary began performing as the "Irish Colleen" at fundraisers, in hospitals, and at community events throughout the Boston area. She was once honored as "Sweetheart of the Massachusetts Firefighters Association" (see photo)-a title that reflected her generous spirit and charm. Though she studied voice at the Longy School of Music, Mary chose not to pursue a professional career, and instead devoted her life to her family, and her husband.
Mary will be most fondly remembered by those who knew her for her sense of humor, her kindness, strong work ethic, and always taking the high road. She would light up a room with her smile and had a laugh that was warm, quick, and often shared.
She was strong, smart, and full of life. Whether singing, working, or helping a neighbor, she led with love and left people better than she found them.
She is survived by her children: Margaret Lehlbach (Herman); Kathleen Morrissey (Paul Medeiros); Christine Duval (Gerard); Elizabeth Rogan (William Kooper); Veronica Rogan; William Rogan; and, her daughter-in-law, Beth Rogan. She is also succeeded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Hannah Rogan; Daniel Lehlbach; Caitlyn Bell (George); Owen Morrissey; Gerard Duval III (Chantal, daughters Juliet and Clara); Marc Duval (Luciana Cavalcante, son Jonas Samuel); Patrick Duval; and Laura Duval (Kyle Andrews).
Mary is also remembered by her sister-in-law Josephine Kavanaugh in Galway, Ireland, and by nephews William (Maria, sons Liam and Daragh) and Owen (Carmel, children Aaron and Abby).
She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, her son, John T. Rogan, and her brothers, Edward and Joseph Kavanaugh.
The family is especially grateful to Kathleen Morrissey, Thomas and Anne Rogan, and to Rosemary Trowbridge, for their loving support in recent years. Heartfelt thanks also go to Janneth Black, R.N., and the team at The Haven at Lee for the compassionate care they gave Mary.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church 35 Center Street, Meriden, CT 06450. There are no calling hours and Mary will be interred privately next to her husband of 65 years, Jack, at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Meriden, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to: The Haven at Lee 206 North River Road Lee, NH 03861. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary, please visit our Tree Store.