Janet Wilson Rogers' Obituary
It is with a broken heart that my sister, Janet Wilson Rogers passed away Tuesday, June 3rd. in Gainesville, FL. Her funeral was Friday, June 7th, where she was laid to rest at Forest Meadow’s Central Cemetery in Gainesville, next to her beloved, husband Fred. I am very grateful to The Reverend Dr. Don McGarity who conducted the service honoring my sister at the Williams-Thomas Chapel downtown. Janet was predeceased by her father, Eugene C. Wilson, and Mother, Maria Luisa Aguero Wilson-Rodriguez. Janet is survived by her loving sister, Mary Wilson McDaniel (widow, Athens, AL), niece Monica Pinder Bonfiglio (Sanger, TX), nephew Robert E. Castellano (Jennifer, Athens, AL); in Gainesville, FL, Carmen Rivera-Campbell (Troy) Alex and Andrew Rivera; in Oldsmar, FL, nephew H. Dennis Rogers (Mary Kathleen), Matthew Rogers, Kristen Rogers Page, and numerous cousins in Key West, Miami-Dade County, and Hamilton, Georgia.
Janet was born on November 9th, 1950 in Miami, Florida. She passed away after a brief stay in North Florida Hospital, where doctors and nurses made every effort to save her life. We, who loved Janet, are grateful for the care, dignity, respect, and valiant efforts North Florida Hospital doctors and staff showed my sister at the end of her life.
Janet was my earliest friend, my confidant, greatest supporter, always, a loving wife to Fred Rogers for over 50 years, and MY SISTER!
As a child, afflicted with a mild case of Cerebral Palsy that became progressively worse in her senior years, she had a driver's license in her youth, attended UF riding her scooter on campus to classes, and traveled overseas with Fred. Always cheerful, she was an inspiration to all who met her with her quick smile and laugh. She loved life, people, her extended family and friends.
Bilingual, she relished her Cuban side, loving Cuban music, as well as oldies, rock. . .and Cuba Libres!
Janet and I were both widowed 6 months apart (I in 2014 and she in 2015) and I convinced her to move from Gainesville, where she and Fred have lived over 50+ years, to the Villages. She loved visiting the town square to hear live music, socialize, and dance. She was definitely a social butterfly!!
But Janet's happiest years were those spent with Carmen, her fiercely devoted and loving caregiver and best friend, who came into her life, and mine, over 7+ years ago. She entered Oak Hammock in 2018 with Carmen at her side. Carmen introduced her to her family, friends, and ensured she would spend holidays and special occasions with them.
Janet left Oak Hammock in early 2023, purchasing a home where she, Carmen, husband Troy, twins Alex & A Drew resided together and where Janet spent her happiest, remaining years.
Part of the family were their pets, who preferred Janet above all others, including Lucy (the German Shephard), Zoey (the Chihuahua), Fat girl (the very friendly Pit Bull) and Petunia the pig! Noel, oldest son was frequently present, as well as numerous friends, all of whom loved Janet, including Jelly, Wil, Amanda, Courtney and their families.
Janet had a wonderful sense of humor with a mischievous side. She delighted in running over Carmen's toes and hearing off-color jokes. She loved Facebook, and until recently, would communicate with family and friends using Messenger.
Janet was creative, using Hallmark software to design greeting cards that she would distribute to those she met on her daily outings when she and Carmen would 'hit the streets'. Her hair was expertly styled by Tamisha weekly, her hairdresser and valued friend. Janet would always be 'decked out' with coordinated outfits from head to toe, smelling of her favorite, Juicy Couture.
Janet was a daredevil! She loved to ride the scariest rides at Disney and Universal AND she loved horses.
Did I mention she LOVED CLOTHES? AND SHOES?? Janet was a mini diva whose hair, and nails were maintained weekly and she decided which coordinated outfits would be worn for her daily soirees, EVEN IN FRIGID WEATHER!
My sister Janet, was a unique and gifted woman who loved life, people, her extended family, and ME! She brought love and laughter to all she met, never meeting a stranger. She was generous to all.
Janet left us too early and her passing has left us with broken hearts. I'LL MISS & LOVE YOU ALWAYS, JANET! UNTILL WE MEET AGAIN!!
What’s your fondest memory of Janet?
What’s a lesson you learned from Janet?
Share a story where Janet's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Janet you’ll never forget.
How did Janet make you smile?
