Our beloved Marie Antoinette Kaelin Rodgers, of Salem, passed away peacefully on August 10th, 2018.

Marie was born March 23, 1927 in Mansfield, Massachusetts to Mary Gallagher and Martin Victor Kaelin.

Following the death of her mother, Marie and her sisters Julia and Caroline moved to Salem and were raised by Katherine G. McGrath ("Aunt Kate"). She attended St. Joseph's School and graduated from Salem High School in 1944.

She married Blair E. Rodgers, of Marblehead, in 1948. As the wife of a Navy Pilot she too served her country, living on the island of Guam with her son Bruce during her husband's deployment in the Korean War.

Marie was the most wonderful and devoted mother to her children Bruce, Daniel, Andrew, Susan, Richard, and Peter James. She was their biggest cheerleader in all aspects of their lives. They lived in Weston, Connecticut, Winter Park, Florida and Brewster, New York, to name a few.

Marie wore many hats. She was on the Board of Directors at the Southeast Museum in Brewster, NY and produced many plays and musicals for the Southeast Players. She held many positions in the Brewster Public Schools and also worked as the bookkeeper at Salem Golf Club in North Salem, NY.

She later returned to Salem, and lived there for the last 38 years of her life. Shortly after returning to Salem, she and her sister Judy Caswell opened the Washington Street Galley, a catering business in Marblehead.

Upon returning to Salem, Marie rediscovered the Woman's Friend Society at the Emmerton House, where she became the Director for 22 years. She proudly oversaw its designation as a Historic Landmark in 2008. Marie kept the house running smoothly and provided home cooked meals for the women. She became a valued member of the Woman's Friend Society, whose work benefits both the Emmerton House and the Salem community. The Emmerton House was near and dear to Marie's heart and she was especially proud of the many women who touched her life and whose lives she touched as mentor, "mother", and friend.

Marie loved the theatre, was an avid golfer, and was an amazing cook. She also spent many days at Winter Island and Salem Willows. She treasured Sunday mornings at estate sales and Brothers with her daughter Susan and niece Jean. "Nana" loved spending time. with her grandchildren and took them all on many adventures. The most important thing in Marie's life was her family. Thirty-five years ago, she and her sisters started the tradition of the family reunion, so their children could form long lasting relationships and always be there for each other. Marie was an elegant woman, full of wisdom, positivity, and strength. She had the best sense of humor and always had a story to tell. She persevered through all life's obstacles with grace and was always there when you needed her. And remember as Marie always said, "when in doubt overdress" and "you can never go wrong with black and white".

Marie is predeceased by her brothers: William, Louis, Martin, Theodore, and Victor Kaelin, her sisters: Julia Caswell and Caroline Sullivan, her husband Blair, son Bruce, and granddaughter Jeannine Marie. She is survived by her daughter Susan Moloney and her husband Maurice of Salem, and her sons Daniel Rodgers and his wife Susanna of Salem, Andrew Rodgers and his wife Mary Jane of New Fairfield, CT, Richard Rodgers of Brewster, NY, and Peter James Rodgers and his wife Denise of Vienna, VA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Matthew, Kristin and her husband Jesse, Timothy, Kathleen, Elena, Andrea, Lauren and her husband Ian, Nicholas, Katherine, Eamonn, and Luke, and her great grandchildren: Kaleigh, Jaiden, and Eli J; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Arrangements:

There will be a celebration of Marie's life on Friday, September, 7 from 4-8 p.m. at the Emmerton House, 12 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem. The funeral mass will take place on Saturday, September 8 at 11 a.m. at St. James Parish, 160 Federal St, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Woman's Friend Society (womansfriendsociety.org) or the Helping Hands Foundation (helpinghandsgroup.org).