Mary E. "Betsy" Rogers

Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell Rogers was born in Athens, Georgia on September 13, 1943, to Thomas Gerald O’Donnell and Elizabeth (Betty) Hamilton O’Donnell.  Her father was stationed in Georgia during World War II; subsequently the family lived in Tennessee and Newburyport before moving to Wakefield in 1950 where her father was a teacher and football coach at Wakefield Memorial High School.  Betsy lived in Wakefield from then on, attending St. Joseph’s School from the second grade and graduating from Wakefield High School in 1961.  

Betsy was an excellent student and active in high school as a cheerleader - she was voted Most Vivacious by her classmates. Betsy went on to marry a classmate, John Harry Rogers; they were married for 15 years and have three sons, Michael, (Janet), Lynn, MA; Peter, Peabody, MA; and Benjamin Rogers, Miami Shores, FL.  

During her many years in Wakefield, Betsy made a mark in the town. She was first and foremost a wonderful self-taught artist - a watercolorist. She painted a multitude of landscapes and the homes of many local residents who are proud to have her beautiful paintings in their homes. She worked for many years at the Wakefield Item as a graphics artist and later for the Chronicle in Reading and other local area newspapers in the advertising and graphic arts area. Later, she was self-employed to help local businesses develop creative advertising for their products.  Betsy was ahead of her time in her knowledge and use of computer graphics programs and advertising strategies. 

For many years, Betsy taught art classes at the Voke and enjoyed seeing her students’ progress in their skill with her help. In recent years, Betsy was a substitute teacher for the Galvin Middle School. She went beyond the basic duties and shared her love of learning with the students.

Betsy also had a vibrant life of travel: trips to England, Ireland, Hawaii, a hiking trip in Switzerland (her favorite) and to many destinations in the United States.     

In addition to Betsy’s three sons, she leaves two grandchildren, Noelia and Gavin Rogers of Miami Shores, FL, whom she adored. Betsy’s siblings are Thomas G. O’Donnell Jr., Severna Park, MD; Elizabeth Diane Harmon, Saugus, MA; Marilee Cunningham, Harpers Ferry, WV; John M. O’Donnell (deceased; and Margaret Rose (Sue) O’Donnell Cheever (deceased).  Betsy also has many nieces and nephews and many friends. 

All of Betsy’s family and friends will miss her greatly. 

Her Funeral Service will be held in the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday January 18 at 12:30 p.m. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow at Harrington's Pub, 17 Water St., Wakefield from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the "Thomas G. O’Donnell Fund"  found at https://tsfofwakefield.org/