Loving wife and mother, teacher, dear friend

Nadean Carolyn Rogers, a Claremont resident for over 40 years, died on November 23, 2013 after a prolonged illness. She was 69 years old.

Mrs. Rogers was born July 10, 1944 in Burbank, California to Dean and Georgia Morton. She was the oldest of three children. She moved to Fillmore from Burbank with her mother, father, sister Nancy and brother Glenn in the 1950s. Their parents wanted them to grow up in the country rather than the city. All three siblings graduated from Fillmore High School. Nadean and Nancy were best friends all her life. They shared many fond memories of their time growing up. They both loved music and dancing and just liked to have fun.

While in high school, she met Kenneth Rogers. He occasionally worked for Dean at his gas station, and their families were friends. After dating, they married in June 1964. They moved to San Gabriel, California from Fillmore and, after having their oldest daughter, Janean, they eventually settled in Claremont. In 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers had their second daughter, Patricia.

Mrs. Rogers was active in local churches and, in 1975, son Kenny was born. Still at home with her children, she took an active role in overseeing their education.

Eventually returning to the workforce, Mrs. Rogers worked at the Claremont Graduate School before leaving to earn a teaching credential from Cal Poly Pomona in 1988.

Hired on at Del Norte Elementary School in the Ontario-Montclair School District, she taught many students during her 23 years as a first grade teacher, many who still ask about her and remember her fondly. She was an honored educator and an inspiration to students and colleagues. 

“No matter what, family comes first. I remember her telling me that. Don’t miss the important moments—they only happen once. Nadean always lived by those words,” remembers Juanita Mercer, a close friend.

Friends and family were important to Mrs. Rogers. She met many of her longtime friends through memberships in the Children’s Home Society and through various community activities.

Her many friends remained an important part of her life throughout her years in Claremont. She enjoyed her Friday nights at the mall with her best friends, shopping and drinking coffee while sharing a laugh and a story or two. While ill, she drew strength through visits with them, listening to stories about their kids and grandkids while sharing a laugh about her own.

“We thank all of Nadean’s friends for your love and support during the past few years, and we love all of you! As she was blessed to have you to rely on for strength, so are we,” family shared.

Mrs. Rogers is survived by her husband, Kenneth Rogers of Claremont; by their three children, Janean Rogers, Patricia Valk and Kenneth Michael Rogers; and by their grandchildren, Ryan Rogers, Christian and Chase Valk and Jameson and Hailey Rogers. She also leaves her mother Georgia Morton of Fillmore, sister Nancy Sayre of Santa Paula and brother Glenn Morton of Coarsegold. She is preceded in death by her father, Dean Morton, who died in 1995.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11 a.m. at Todd Memorial Chapel, 325 N. Indian Hill Blvd. in Claremont, with a reception to be held at Napier Hall, 660 Avery Rd., in Pilgrim Place. She will be laid to rest at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nadean Rogers’ name to City of Hope or a charity of your choice.