Obituary of Virginia Ann Rogers

Virginia Ann Rogers Virginia Ann Rogers, née Dipre, died peacefully at her home in Erie, PA on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after a five-year battle with ALS. Ginny was the eldest daughter of Norma J. Dipre, née Fratto, and Joseph G. Dipre of Erie, PA. She is survived by her sons; John Phillips Rogers and his wife Jennifer Gates Rogers, Matthew Peter Warren Rogers and his wife Belinda Jacobus Rogers, grandsons; Phineas J. Rogers, Tynan P. Rogers, William C.P. Rogers, and granddaughter Louisa B. Rogers, brothers; Joseph Dipre and his wife Susan, John Dipre and his wife Pam, sister Laura Luddy and her husband James, and eight nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Michael Rogers, and sister Lisa Dipre. Born and raised in Erie, Ginny was a graduate of Mercyhurst Preparatory School (MPS) and Gannon University. As a student teacher at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, she was mentored by Margaret Miles, whose teaching style greatly influenced her own. She further honed her skills at St. Luke School before having the honor of teaching at her Alma Mater, MPS. Ginny then found her home at Erie Day School in 1983, where she went on to teach until 2021.From grammar to vocabulary to literature, she taught students how to understand and appreciate the English language. From Shakespeare to Steinbeck to Orwell to Sophocles, she made sure her students read and understood the classics. There’s no doubt that upon hearing of Mrs. Rogers’s passing nearly every former student started reciting the prepositions in alphabetical order to themselves. Whether organizing student trips to the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, historic Boston, and New York City to see the National Greek Theatre Company’s production of Oedipus — or supervising Student Council, school dances, fundraisers, and more — Ginny’s teaching reached far beyond the classroom walls. She was grateful to curate a curriculum she loved and believed could enrich her students’ lives. Act II of Ginny’s life included being co-owner of the Papermoon Restaurant, where she helped create an exciting and unique dining and live music experience for Erie. Ginny was also co-founder of Life Can Be A Trip—a boutique group travel company through which she created wonderful experiences for the many who joined her. Through travel she continued educating outside the classroom. Ginny’s first international trip was with her grandmother in 1967 to visit cousins in Rome and Calabria. Upon learning in March her time was limited, Ginny took one final trip to Italy to say goodbye to those same cousins. It was a brave final act of her incredible life. Ginny’s energy and zest for life had an impact on everyone she met and her legacy will live on through her two sons, four grandchildren, and all who knew her. To her students from St Luke, Mercyhurst, and Erie Day School, thank you for the life you gave Mrs. Rogers. “Parting is such sweet sorrow that I should say goodnight until it be morrow.” — William Shakespeare. There will be a Celebration of Life for Ginny on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 1PM at the Erie Day School. An English language award in Ginny’s name is being established at the Erie Day School. To contribute, donations may be made to the Erie Community Foundation “in honor of Virginia Rogers.” All arrangements were handled through the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4216 Sterrettania