ALBANY – Mary Rogers passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of December 29, 2019, just two weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. Mary was born in Los Angeles, California on January 12, 1918. She was the daughter of Morris Leavitt and Ann Fiestae, both Belgian immigrants. After returning briefly to Belgium following the Great War, they returned to the United States settling in Albany, NY where Mary resided for the next eighty plus years.
Known to all as Aunt Mary or “Amazing Mary,” she had a remarkable zest for life. Indeed she drove until she was 96, living alone and independently well into her 101st year. Mary never met a stranger, making new friends wherever she went. She was a joiner and during her 101 years no grass grew under her feet. Never hesitant to strike out alone, she traveled everywhere a Trailways bus would take her, enjoyed socializing at the Zaloga VFW Post, dining out with friends and family, and loved spending time at her favorite machine at the Saratoga Racino. She often said that among the secrets to her long life was drinking a glass of beer every night.
In 1946 Mary married Ralph Rogers. They enjoyed a wonderful life together until Ralph’s death in 1978. Together they visited racetracks all over the northeast, bowled, passed time playing all sorts of card games, and loved visiting with family.
Mary was employed at Whitney’s Department Store in Albany, and later, the First Trust Company of Albany where she worked until her retirement.
Mary was predeceased by her parents, her brother George Leavitt, and husband Ralph Rogers. She is survived by her great nephews George (Karen) Szary, and their children Emily and Eliot, Larry (Linda) Fox, and their children Suzie and Jimmy, Gregory (Amy) Fox, and their daughter Natalie, and Dean (Krystal) Fox, and their son Dean, Jr.; her great niece Toni (Paul) Rukwid, and their daughter Wendy Maki; by many dear friends, and most importantly her niece, Lois Mannolini, who loved and cared for Mary in the later years of her life.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to her “niece” Audrey Romano, her dear friends Dorothy Croxton, Jackie Johnson, and Barbara and Bob Christensen for their kindness to Mary over the years.
The memorial will be private at the convenience of the family. To honor and celebrate Mary’s memory and spirit the family asks that you reach out to a neighbor, make a new friend or call an old one, take a bus trip adventure, buy a scratch off lottery ticket, go out on a date, and most of all tell the people who matter you love them. To leave a message of condolence for Mary’s family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Quail Auto Sales (The Aidala Family)
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Mary. She will be truly missed.
Mary McIntosh
I am so sorry for the loss of Mary….such a sweet, nice lady who was a good friend of my aunt’s when they worked at the bank…since my aunt died i have kept in touch with mary, She loved her family very much and loved to be around people….Always upbeat and happy….love to go with “Lo” wherever she took her.
Mary will be missed…
Mary Ann Simard
Mary, you were loved by all. You always offered to help whenever possible. You were such a great friend to my
Aunt, Helen Scaringe Sweeney. You two were the best of friends. It’s how I got to know you. Since we moved to Florida,
I have not been able to get together with you. We would call each other about every six months, just to say hi and keep in touch. Today, I was looking to call, but found out you had passed the end of December. You are at rest now. I am sure
Aunt Helen was there to greet you, as entered Heaven. I know you are smiling down on all who loved you. We were blessed to know you.
The Simard Family – Bob, Mary Ann & Ross