Viola H. Rodgers, an AT&T retiree and volunteer, died peacefully May 1st of congestive heart failure at her daughter’s home in Sparks, MD. She was 89.
Born Viola Helen Telmanoski, she was born and raised on the family farm in North Point, MD and was educated at area parochial and public schools. For a number of years Viola worked at the old Bay Shore Amusement Park and was an assistant to its owner, George P. Mahoney, 1966 Democratic nominee for governor. In 1943, she married John W. Rodgers and had three daughters.
In 1952, Mrs. Rodgers started working for the C&P Telephone Co. as a switchboard operator in Sparrows Point. After her 30 years with the phone company, she retired as a director. At this time she and her husband moved to Ocean City, MD.
Volunteering was an integral part of both Mrs. Rodgers and her husband of 56 years, John, who died in 1999. The organizations served in Baltimore and Ocean City included: The Order of the Alhambra, Special Olympics Maryland and the National Council of Aging. Even in her spare time at home, Viola enjoyed knitting baby garments and afghans she donated to local hospitals.
Mrs. Rodgers is survived by daughters Marcella DiGregorio of Vienna, MD and Sharon McKenna of Sparks, MD. She is predeceased by her daughter Carolyn Paulsen in 1986. She is also survived by granddaughters Robyn Simmons and Leah Ruby; great-granddaughter Brittany Simmons. Grandson, Christopher McKenna, died in 2012.
The family will receive friends in the LEMMON FUNERAL HOME OF DULANEY VALLEY INC. 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, MD 21093 on Friday, 4-7pm and Saturday, May 4, 9-10am at which time funeral services will be celebrated. Interment Holy Rosary Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed in "Vi's" memory to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, suite 350, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031. A guest book is available at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18