We lost a wonderful mother yesterday, August 9. So vibrant during her recent trip with family to the Woods Hole beach house she held so dearly. The salt water cured any ailment in her book and you could be in it for a swim or on it in a boat to take your therapy. She often spoke of sailing with her brother and three sisters in their cherished 25 foot Wianno, the “Whistle Wing” on Vineyard Sound.
Maria La Grange Kidder was born in Orange, NJ on January 7, 1920 to Henry Maynard Kidder and Maria La Grange Duryee. The family later moved to New York City in an age when single family homes were common. She grew up during the depression years and spoke of the shanty towns in Central Park and the great losses people endured. She attended The Brearley School in NYC and later went on to Radcliff College and Columbia School of Architecture.
Mickey, as she was called by her friends and family, would marry late for her day to Erskine Clark Rogers, Jr. on August 7, 1954. Her husband was the influence that brought her to Hudson Falls where she spent the majority of her life raising 6 children; Erskine III, Henry, Thomas, Anne, James and John. She would never stop caring for her children and 7 grandchildren as they were her great source of purpose. She became somewhat of a farmer, pasteurizing milk from the family dairy and growing tomatoes and other vegetables. At the end of every garden row she would plant Marigolds and other flowers for balance and to help fight the omnipresent pests.
Mickey kept her interest in art and architecture alive as a docent at the Hyde Museum of Glens Falls. An avid reader with a good memory for poems, she was a long time member of the American Association of University Women which hosted regular “book clubs”. She could also be counted on to help out at the Presbyterian Church rummage sales. Her love of water and tennis was nurtured at the Glens Falls Tennis and Swim Club where she was a founding member so many years ago. She continued playing tennis well into her 80’s, extending the short Adirondack season a few months each year through an annual trek to Singer Island, Florida.
We will all miss her mild manner and eagerness to please that made her our rock and compass. She brought so many memories into our lives that will live on within all of us who knew her.
Memorial Services will be held on September 1, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Hudson Falls, New York, with the Rev. Michael Plank, pastor officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls
Mickey will be missed. She was a wonderful Aunt. She reminded me so much of my Mom and my Mom loved her so much. I remember watching them on the Sailfish in Woods Hole. They were laughing so hard they almost fell off the boat. My condolences to her wonderful family. She loved her children and grandchildren so much! I hope Mickey and Mom are laughing together again right now.
Oh man….I miss Mickey! I’m so sorry to hear the news but I know in my heart that where she is, she is laughing and happy.
I know you all will hold your memories dear to your hearts. My heart is with you.
Cindi Garvie
A founding member of the Glens Falls Tennis & Swim Club, Maria was an amazing woman with an incredible life. She will be dearly missed. Sara Montgomery, president, The Glens Falls Tennis & Swim Club
Thank you Sara for keeping the Tennis and Swim Club going through the recent tough economic times. While only a swimmer in the last 6 or so years, it seems like only yesterday my mom was taking lessons with the tennis Pro and getting those important phone calls from her lady friends in need of a 4th for doubles. The Club has been a very special place for my mom and our family.
It’s so nice to hear the wonderful comments about my aunt and godmother. My family has so many memories of the lovely times we spent with the Rogers family on Cape Cod growing up. She’ll be sorely missed. But I bet she and my mother are playing one mean game of tennis right now up in Heaven.
Mickey has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. Her wedding was THE GREAT EVENT of my childhood. I was one of her four flower girls. I found out years later that having four flower girls is considered a bit over the top unless you are Spanish royalty but I guess if you have four nieces of suitable age it is either four, none or a truly epic hair-pulling match.
Visiting her (and Uncle Erskine when he was alive) at the farm was always a great experience. The first time I remember I was 6 or 7 and the last time was a couple of years ago when I was in my 60s and Mickey pushing 90. She was a great aunt and a terrific sister to my mother.
The last time I visited Mickey said “I miss my sisters.” Now they are together again.
Frankie
As a new tennis player, I met Mickey in the 90’s. She was a wonderful player, but what I really remember about her is how humble she was. She always made me feel like I could compete with others, even though I was just learning.
She was a special lady and I’m sure you will all miss her.