PORTLAND — Mary Kerrins Cavanaugh Rogers, 89, of Portland, died Jan. 14 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born June 26, 1925, into the large Irish Catholic family of Mary Ellen Kerrins and James Edward Cavanaugh, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She graduated from South Lake High School in Worcester, and in 1947, from Framingham State Teachers College. She went on to teach in the Oxford, Massachusetts, school system.

In 1948, she wed Peter J. Rogers, whom she met while he was a student at the College of the Holy Cross. The couple lived initially in Charlottesville, Virginia, while Peter completed his third year of law school at the University of Virginia. Mary taught in the university’s Reading Clinic.

Upon his graduation, Peter and Mary settled in Portland. As her husband established his law practice, Rogers raised their family. In 1960, they bought 45 acres of land in Portland and built a house. The property, known as Camelot Farm, was also home to many animals over the years.

Rogers was known for her quiet dignity, elegance and grace, qualities that ensured she never had an unkind word for anyone.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years and their 11 children: Katherine Wohlhuter and husband, Richard, of Jacksonville, Florida; Kerrin Dorne and husband, Robert, of Newton, Massachusetts; Pamela Cormier, of Bath; Peter J. Rogers Jr. and wife, Anne, of Washington, D.C.; Patricia Ream and husband, Peter, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts; Michael Rogers, of Portland; Constance Bashian and husband, Richard, of Truro, Massachusetts; Monica Sheehan and husband, John, of Oak Park, Illinois; Kevin Rogers and wife, Ann Marie; Kristine Hodgkins and husband, Philip, of Cumberland Center; and Gregory Rogers, of Portland.

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She also is survived by 24 grandchildren: Charles and Mary Katherine Wohlhuter; Kristina, Wesley, Casey and Peyton Dorne; Anne and Andrew Cormier; Edward, Caroline, Alexander, Philip and Abigail Rogers; Constance, John and Hollister Ream; Brendan Rogers; Chloe and Paige Bashian; Pierce and Maeve Sheehan; and Channing, Philip and Elizabeth Hodgkins.

In addition, she leaves three great-grandchildren, Asia Bonny, Taveon and Destinee Karvonides, as well as siblings: F. Ethel McMahon, of Marlborough, Massachusetts; Raymond Cavanaugh, of Worcester, Massachusetts; Matthew Cavanaugh, of Dudley, Massachusetts; Francis Cavanaugh, of Naples, Florida; Madeline Horan, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; and Claire Cunningham, of Worcester, Massachusetts. She also is survived by many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Rogers was predeceased by her parents; her aunt, Sister Ethel Mary Francis Kerrins; sisters, Katherine Keller and Marjorie Beauregard; and brothers, James Cavanaugh and Edward Cavanaugh. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Prime L. Cormier, the late husband of daughter Pamela.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Philip Frederick and the caregivers and hospice team from the Visiting Nurse Association for their care.

A memorial Mass is planned for noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Joseph’s Church, 673 Stevens Ave., Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Hospice, c/o Development Office, 144 State St., Portland, ME 04101.

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