Phoebe Rogerson, formerly of Canton, 83

CANTON - Phoebe Rogerson died unexpectedly due to sudden illness at a hospital in Tahiti on March 11, 2025, at age 83. Phoebe was traveling on a grand voyage with her sister-in-law and childhood friend, Adelaide. The lucky people who knew Phoebe recognized her intelligence, engagement, humor, grace, empathy, adventure, spirituality and faith, love of church activity, nature, travel, and anything musical.

She loved horses since childhood, owning and working with many. She trained under the famous equestrian Margaret Cabell Self and, later in life, went on several riding expeditions in Ireland. In her more recent days, she loved reading (a lot), music, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and solitaire. Phoebe was a maker, including spinning, dyeing and crocheting wool. She also loved sailing, owning several small craft.

Born to a New England family in Connecticut, Phoebe married the love of her life, Allen, during college in 1961. They raised two boys, Peter and Michael, and the family traveled, even living in Denmark for a year. When the boys entered grade school in Bryn Mawr, PA, Phoebe used her newfound time to complete a bachelor’s degree in geology. The family moved to Georgia and finally to the New York North Country. There, she earned a Nursing degree from Canton SUNY, summa cum laude. She served as an RN in Gouverneur, NY, for 20 years until her retirement. As an emergency department nurse, her peaceful, calm presence and sense of humor in times of crisis made her a blessing to her patients and colleagues.

Phoebe was a lifelong and active member of several Episcopal Churches. During her years in Canton, NY, she was an active lay minister at Grace Episcopal Church. She was a member of the Vestry, serving as a Warden and Treasurer. Phoebe helped with Vacation Bible School and was the lead vocalist during worship. She served on the Altar Guild and coordinated the soup kitchen ministry. Phoebe was a passionate supporter of Grace House, a ministry providing transitional housing for women in recovery. She helped launch the Grace House ministry and served faithfully on their board for six years. Phoebe’s service reflected her Christ-centered passion for helping those in need.
Phoebe’s love of travel brought her to places like Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, the Mediterranean, South America, Alaska, Bermuda, and across the country twice in a camper. Her favorite place in the US was Canyon de Chelly in Arizona. Her last earthly trip was by sea, a cruise through Hawaii to French Polynesia. She also loved her cottage in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada, and everyone she knew there. That was her special retreat, where she found solace in the people, her family, the place, boat rides to anywhere, her friend Joanne, jigsaw puzzles, and playing Mexican Train.

Phoebe was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Robert A. Northrop and Beulah Northrop, son Peter Rogerson, husband Allen Rogerson, partner David Brill, and brother, Robert B. Northrop. She is survived by her son, Michael Rogerson, and grandsons Michael, Sean, and Mitchell Rogerson, and her late son’s daughter-in-law, Carol.

A service and celebration of Phoebe’s life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025. A wake will take place at 1:30PM, followed by a service at 2:30pm. Both will be held at Grace Episcopal Church, 9 E Main St, Canton, NY 13617.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton, NY 13617. Tributes, photos and condolences may be shared by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Phoebe’s favorite charities: Grace House in Canton, NY, to help women in crisis and transition. https://www.gracehousecantonny.org/

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