Obituary of Sr. Doris Rogers, RSM

Rogers RSM, Sister Doris (formerly Sister Ruth Marie) died Saturday, June 3, at St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Albany.  She had been a Sister of Mercy for 61 years.  Doris was born in Gloversville, New York, daughter of the late Floyd M. Rogers and Ruth E. Hoose.  Doris was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church, Johnstown, when she was in her mid-thirties.  Five years later, having discerned a call to religious life, she entered the Convent of Mercy, Albany, where she began a novitiate with other prospective Sisters of Mercy, most of whom were teenagers.  Together they navigated their multi-generational introduction to convent life, adapting as they went along.

Sister Doris earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose, Albany.  She then embarked on a number of teaching assignments in the Albany Diocese, beginning at St. Mary’s in Clinton Heights, followed by Vincentian Elementary School, Albany; St. Mary’s, Gloversville; and St. Teresa of Avila, Albany.  In addition to teaching, Doris held other positions in the area of education which provided support services for students and staff.  These included Resource Room Teacher at Mercy High School, Albany; and Office Support Staff at St. Teresa of Avila School, Albany.

Doris’ ministry at St. Mary’s Parish, Gloversville, gave Doris an opportunity to play an active role in catechetical and parish programs.  This venture into parish life may have taken on special meaning for her as well as for program participants because of Doris’ own experience of embracing faith as an adult.  

McAuley Residence, an assisted living facility in Albany, welcomed Sister Doris as receptionist.  She graciously directed visitors, and efficiently fielded inquiries and delivered messages.  Sister Doris served as transportation coordinator at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland and worked in transporting patients at St. Peter’s Hospital as well.  Patients were grateful for her gracious manner and concern for their well-being as well as for her efficiency in getting them to their treatments and appointments in timely fashion.  

Sister Doris possessed a strong and independent spirit, tempered by a sense of humor.  She was a reader, writer and lover of poetry.  One of her poetic pieces was included in a locally published booklet entitled “Echoes of the Word.”  Her religious motto, engraved in her ring, was “All for the glory of God.”

One of the aides who cared for Sister Doris in her final illness described her as deeply grateful for the care and attention she received.  She noted as well Doris’ patience in suffering.

At the time of her death, Sister Doris was 101 years old.   She was predeceased by her brother, William, and his wife, Virginia; she left no family.  Her memory lives on, however, in friends and in those she touched by her ministries and also by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend services for Sister Doris in the chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, beginning with the reception of her body at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11, followed at 4:00 p.m. by a Service of Remembrance. The wake will continue in the chapel until 7 p.m.  The Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 12.  Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.  Contributions may be made in memory of Sister Doris to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.