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Posted Oct 31, 2024 | 1:00 PM
Helen Laurene (Thain) Rodgers passed away in Hospice Peterborough on Friday, October 17th, 2024 at the age of 103 years old. Born on September 25th, 1921 in Rawdon Township, she was the daughter of Ivah (Devolin) and Frederick Thain. She attended SS 17 Rawdon, Stirling High School and Peterborough Normal School. In 1942, she married Donald Rodgers and they lived for 28 years on Edward Street in Stirling. In 1984, she moved to Toronto where she lived until moving to Island Park Retirement Residence, Campbellford, in 2010.
A dedicated teacher, she taught at a number of one room schools in Rawdon Township and at Marsh Hill School in Sidney Township. She also was a supply teacher in many of the surrounding area schools. With a deep interest in and concern for children with learning problems, she obtained a Specialist Certificate in Special Education and assisted in setting up and implementing the first Special Education Classes in Stirling.
Throughout the years, she worked with community church groups and sang in church choirs. She enjoyed music deeply and at the young age of 5 sang her first solo in full. Helen was active in the Stirling Girl Guide Committee, the Hon J.R. Cooke Chapter of the IODE and the Oak Hills Flying Club (where she obtained her co-pilot’s license). She enjoyed traveling in Canada, United States, Mexico, Jamaica, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy and other countries. At 85 years of age, she enjoyed a memorable holiday in Paris with her daughter Rosalyn, daughter-in-law Carolyn and grand-daughter Alexandra.
Helen is survived by her sons Graydon Rodgers and Evan Rodgers (Carolyn). She is predeceased by her dearest daughter Rosalyn Rodgers (Ann). Loving grandmother of Alexandra Chang Hunter (Luke), Bradley Rodgers (Emily), Brooke Wilson (Troy) and great grandmother to Henry & Clementine, Lochlan & Jack and Cooper & Abby. Helen is predeceased by her brothers Raeburn Thain and Garnet Thain.
Friends & family are invited to attend at the Weaver Family Funeral Home, 77 Second Street, Campbellford, on Friday, November 15th, 2024. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 1:00 PM and a reception is to follow the service. Interment will be at Wellman’s Cemetery, 83 Maple Road, Stirling-Rawdon. If desired and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Everyone is welcome to share their stories, condolences & memories online at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com.