Cheryl Ann Rogers, 55, passed away peacefully, December 22, 2022, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Cooperstown, NY, on July 11, 1967, she was the daughter of Rosemary A. (Washburn) Rogers of Suffield, CT, and the late Don R. Rogers.
Cheryl grew up in Red Hook, NY and Longmeadow, MA. She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at Northeastern University, Magna Cum Laude, and then graduated Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School as a licensed attorney. She began a career spanning over 25 years serving as legal counsel for higher education and working for nonprofit organizations with social justice missions. Cheryl published extensively on disability law and discrimination, and led executive leadership and management training as faculty, moderator, and mentor. She has served as CEO/Executive Director for three nonprofit organizations, was the Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator for Springfield Technical Community College, worked as the Assistant Director of the Office of Title IX Initiatives for the College of the Holy Cross, and most recently as the Director of Human Resources at the Collaborative for Educational Services in Northampton, MA.
Everyone who knew Cheryl admired her passion, dedication, and compassion for helping others. Somehow she also found time to volunteer her expertise: with the Emerging Community Leaders Program, strategic consulting for Child & Family Services, domestic violence shelters, child abuse prevention, as a volunteer interviewing coach for college students, and acting as a volunteer Board of Director and Incorporator for new nonprofit community organizations.
Cheryl loved animals and cherished her dog family members. She played basketball at Longmeadow High School which helped develop the determination, strength, and courage needed to be such a tremendous advocate for those she served. Her favorite place was on Mt. Miles Lake in Cooperstown, NY, spending time with family and friends.
Besides her mother, Rosemary, Cheryl is survived by her sister, Robin Brotherton (Larry), brothers, Tom Rogers (Mary), and Glen Rogers, cherished nieces & nephews, Sarah DeMaiolo (Daniel), Lindsay Ross (Andy), Christopher Tirrell, Rose Rogers, and Glen Rogers, newborn great nephew, Alexander Ross, aunt, Merrilyn O’Connell, uncle, Bill Washburn (Renee), beloved cousins and her loyal dog, Pailey.
A wake will be held on Wednesday, January 4, from 1-3 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust Street in Springfield, MA; private burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition or to your local Humane Society Animal Shelter.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.
Cheryl was a caring and thoughtful colleague who always made it clear that she had time for your concerns and would do all she could to help you get what you needed. She was a strong supporter of the importance of balancing work with the rest of life. I will remember her for her smile and her compassion. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Cheryl's family. I was deeply honored to have known and worked with Cheryl. Shexhas and always will have a profound impact on my life. Rest in peace, my fellow warrior sister.
My condolences to the Rogers' Family. My heart is heavy, so I share in your sorrow. Cheryl was a beautiful person and a wonderful colleague that I had the privilege of working with at STCC. She was an amazing person; and will be missed. I look forward to seeing her again, happy and healthy. (John 5:28,29).