Vale Sheila Rogers

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[Long term U3A member Sheila Rogers recently passed away surrounded by family, dogs and music. She will be particularly missed by her book club friends and the opera group. Lyn Richards and Lesley Wing Jan have written the following.]

When Sheila passed away on 12th July, messages from U3A members told of their love and of their admiration for her wit and wisdom and longterm contribution to many groups.

Sheila collaboratively initiated and organised the Dining Out Group for a few years. Her caring, people-centred personality and wry sense of humour helped develop a sense of belonging within the group.

She was a long standing member of the Last Tuesday Reading Group. She was a thoughtful, reflective and discerning reader who enriched discussions by contributing, in her typical self- effacing manner, measured, valued and often alternative views.

And the Opera Group, from its beginnings in 2016, was lit by Sheila’s insights, her generous sharing of knowledge and experience, her love of operatic music (especially if hummable) and her forthright opinions, always elegantly contributed.

Comments by fellow Nillumbik U3A members

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  1. So sad as she was such a lovely lady and will be missed.
    May she rest in peace.

  2. I’m so saddened to read this email telling us of Sheila’s passing.

    I have so many memories of her active participation in the opera group during the years I was a member. I always enjoyed hearing her forthright opinions and depth of knowledge on matters relating to classical music.

    When I first joined the group back in 2018 (I think?), she so impressed me with her vitality and zest for life … painting, still having a little ski and, seemingly, always busy. Sheila, Dorothy and I caught the train together into the city to see The Flying Dutchman & I remember thinking … “I hope I can be like this when I’m in my mid 80s.”

    And, yes, her sandwiches were scrumptious and quickly eaten at our lovely luncheons.

    Rest in peace, Sheila, you will be remembered and greatly missed.

  3. So sad to think that we will no longer be able to enjoy Sheila’s company at our opera meetings. She will be greatly missed by us all and not only for her gourmet sandwiches. She shared so much more with our group, especially her knowledge of the big, wide world of opera in all its many facets.

    I wish I’d found an opportunity, while she was still with us, to tell her how much I admired her and how much I enjoyed her company. We were lucky to have such a special person in our group. The more I think about her, the harder I find it to think we won’t see her again. At least she will live on in our memories.

  4. I was so sad to hear the news about Sheila. Although I didn’t know her well, it was easy to see her warmth, her generosity and her kindness. I will miss her in our Opera Group. Please send my condolences to her family and friends.
  5. Stories of opera experiences in England, wisdom about roses (Albertine a favourite, but a ‘oncer’), a recipe for cheating vanilla slices (custard powder), fierce defender of classical music (enough Britten – can we play Tosca now?), happy conversationalist with always a warm greeting, even on Zoom (I’m still here!) Lovely memories of a strong, fiercely independent, warmly supportive friend.
  6. How very sad. I send my sincere condolences to all her family and friends, including all of us, her opera group, who will miss her sunny weekly presence.
  7. So saddened to read that news. Such a lovely person.
  8. Oh dear, dear Sheila, such a wonderful, generous presence in our group. Personality plus, with a delightful sense of humour, Sheila had such warmth and style. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with her family who have lost their wonderful mother and matriarch. Sad news.
  9. Sad news for all of us. Sheila’s presence at our meetings will be missed; an interesting lady of great knowledge. Vale, Sheila.
  10. As a relative newcomer to the opera group, I can’t claim to have known Sheila well, but well enough to appreciate what a strong woman she was, of excellent taste, and what a great personality, with a wonderful sense of humour. She was so warm and welcoming too. It doesn’t surprise me that Fidelio was her favourite opera. Listening to Beethoven’s beautiful music will be a perfect way to remember her. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
  11. Thank you for sharing the sad loss of Sheila.
    I remember her kindness to me when I first joined the opera group. We were in the Old Eltham Courthouse and I have such lovely memories of chats with Sheila and the knowledge of opera she shared with me. A true lady who will be sadly missed. My thoughts and sympathy to her family.
  12. Sheila and I have shared over 50 years of friendship, my gardening friend, travelling companion, music enthusiasts (though her knowledge outweighed mine). Our children remain friends and I will miss her immeasurably.