Ruth I. Roger
Ruth I. Roger, 84, passed away unexpectedly in Boston, Massachusetts on Thursday, July 6, 2023, surrounded by her family. She is the beloved wife of William G. “Bill” Roger, with whom she celebrated 62 years of marriage this past February.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 29, 1938, Ruth was the beloved daughter of the late Edith I. (Williams) Deslauriers. She was educated in Rhode Island, graduating from Hope High School with the class of 1956. Possessing a thirst for knowledge and the desire to aid others, Ruth furthered her education, receiving certificates and accolades for various programs of study.
Following graduation, Ruth began a career as an insurance company underwriter in the Providence area. After taking up residence briefly in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Ruth and Bill relocated to North Attleborough, Massachusetts and then to Merrimack, New Hampshire, at which time Ruth became a gallerist for Heritage Art Gallery. Later, she traveled throughout Southern New Hampshire as a sales representative for Cool-Ray Corporation. For many years after moving to Nashua, Ruth worked as a property manager and leasing agent for Corcoran Management Company at multiple apartment complexes in the Nashua area.
Ruth was an avid tennis player; as a longtime member of Nashua Swim and Tennis Club, she competed in many tournaments, and she enjoyed traveling to attend professional tournaments as well. An extremely skilled gardener, her home and yard were always adorned with a variety of plants and flowers, iris and hydrangeas being her favorite. Ruth adored all animals, and over the years, many stray dogs and cats were welcomed into her family; her cat Toby misses her dearly.
Prior to their retirement, Ruth and her husband Bill traveled frequently for his job, touring numerous major US cities and visiting magnificent destinations, to include Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and several tropical islands. With family, they visited the Netherlands, Austria, Hungary, and the former Czechoslovakia. Following their retirement, Ruth and Bill enjoyed taking trips and cruises with their closest friends. Ruth especially treasured spending time with family on the beaches in and around Point Judith, Rhode Island. Aside from travel, her other hobbies included reading, interior decorating, puzzles and crosswords, playing with her Bunco group, and engaging in highly competitive Parcheesi matches with her granddaughters. Ruth was also a talented cook and a wonderful hostess, who relished entertaining and preparing celebrations for family and friends. Above all, her most cherished time was spent with her family, especially her granddaughters, whom she deeply loved.
In addition to her husband, Bill, she is survived by her two children, William Roger Jr. of Nashua and Kara Roger and her fiancé Michael Podrybau of Hollis; her four grandchildren, Lyndsey, Gwen, Phoebe, and Gabby; her sister Eileen Cotrone and her husband Frank of Cumberland, Rhode Island; her cousin Albert “Pete” Peterson and his partner Ann Damiano of Johnston, Rhode Island; her brother-in-law Ronald Roger and his wife Lilian of Rhode Island; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her mother, Edith, Ruth was predeceased by her granddaughter, Bernadette, and her brother, Raymond Magnuson.
Relatives and friends are invited to Ruth’s visitation on MONDAY, July 17th from 5 until 8 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. Her Funeral Mass will be held on TUESDAY, July 18th at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 216 East Dunstable Road, Nashua. KINDLY MEET AT CHURCH. Her interment at East Cemetery in Hollis, New Hampshire will take place privately with her family at a later date. Donations may be made in Ruth’s name to the Live and Let Live Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, 20 Paradice Lane, Chichester, NH, 03258, a facility with which Ruth and Bill have communicated often and supported whole-heartedly for the last 26 years. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ANCTIL-ROCHETTE.com.