Jeanne M. Rogers

Mrs. Jeanne M. (O'Neill) Rogers, of Newton, died Monday, January 23, 2023 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She was 86.

Jeanne was born on June 15, 1936 in Boston, a daughter of the late Henry and Marguerite (Foran) O’Neill. Raised for a short time in South Boston she spent most of her life in Newton, where she was a graduate of Newton High School. She married Newton native Robert F. Rogers on June 11, 1960 in Saint Augustine’s Church in South Boston.

In addition to raising her children, she managed Long’s Answering Service in Newton for many years.

Diagnosed at a young age with Stokes-Adams disease, she became an early patient of Dr. Paul Zoll, well-known cardiologist and one of the pioneers in the development of the artificial cardiac pacemaker and cardiac defibrillator. Jeanne was one of his very first patients and the pair developed a life-long friendship that extended beyond the doctor and patient profile. Dr. Zoll would often showcase his work with Jeanne in various medical circles and beyond. Jeanne was very proud that she was the first woman with an implantable pacemaker to give birth.

She loved her family, reading, dancing, bowling and a good party. Jeanne was a talented crocheter and made countless afghans for family and friends. Jeanne was proud to be the wife of a Newton Firefighter. She and Bob formed many friendships within the department that carried them through life.

Jeanne loved her grandchildren.  She and Bob were the preferred babysitters.  She enjoyed being with them whether they were traveling, hanging out in the backyard or having a campout in the living room.  The grandkids appreciated having them as a constant in the lives and as they grew older, the roles reversed where they would often bring them a meal or just sit and visit with them.

In addition to her husband of 62 years, Bob, she leaves her children, Robert F. Rogers (Ann-Marie) of Framingham, Jeanne Michele Flaherty (Michael) of Waltham and Mary Kristine ‘Krisi’ Havlin of Danville, New Hampshire; sister of Patricia ‘Patsy’ Micaloonis (Paul) of Braintree, Michael O’Neill (Fran) of NH and John O’Neill (Chris) of FL and the late Marguerite Toler, James, Henry, Barbara and Kevin O’Neill; also survived by her grandchildren, Kimberly Bungard (Cory), Michele Crouse (David), Daniel and Emily Rogers, Michael Flaherty Jr., Robert Flaherty (Kayla), Thomas and James Flaherty, Nicole Nadeau (Anthony), Lisa and Steven Havlin; her great-grandchildren, Trystin, Lucas, McKenzie, Bryleigh and Connor.  She is also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jeanne's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, January 29^th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.