Beverly Ann Rogoff

Beverly Ann Rogoff, 87, passed away on August 16, 2017.  Born in Denver on March 6, 1931, to Harry and Marcia Rogers, she graduated from Denver University in 1953 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She moved to Albuquerque in the fall of 1954 with her new husband, Sanford “Rogey” Rogoff.  They met on a blind date. Neither wanted to go, but they were engaged two weeks later and married for 49 years, until Rogey passed away in 2003.  Together they raised three sons, Bruce, Jonathan, and Eric, while Rogey built the accounting and financial services firm today known as REDW.

Bev had a remarkable ability to touch people. She had hundreds of friends from all walks of life and of all ages. Always there were jokes and stories. Her mission was to make you laugh, to make your day better any way she could. People were like oxygen to her. She began her career as an elementary school teacher.  Later, when her boys were older, she went to U.N.M. and got a Master’s Degree in Speech Communication (naturally) in 1976.  She taught at the University of Albuquerque and T.V.I. for many years.  She also taught Sunday School and was a docent at the Albuquerque Museum for 25 years.

Bev was active in many charitable, theatre (Musical Theatre Southwest), music and religious organizations (Hadassah and Jewish Community Center) as a benefactor, board member, and actor. In her late 70s she played the role of Sadie the shopkeeper in Landmark Theatre’s production 70, Girls, 70.

She loved music, especially jazz, and singing.  New Mexico Jazz Workshop was a particular favorite of hers. In 1996, Rogey began to decline from Alzheimer’s Disease.  She cared for him at home for seven years, until nearly the end.  She said her sense of humor got her through.

As usual, she rallied.  She rekindled her interest in singing and stand-up comedy.  Into her mid-80s she performed at many public events, singing old jazz standards and Broadway show tunes, usually backed by local musicians Sid Fendley (piano), Mickey Patten (bass), and John Bartlit (drums).  Sometimes she would share the program with her friend, local singer Patty Stephens.  She would sit on her walker and sing, and include comedy between songs.  These were some of her happiest times.

She is survived by her sons, Bruce of Santa Fe, NM  (Jan Goodwin, stepsons Sam and Daniel Goodwin), Jonathan of Rio Rancho, NM, and Eric of Scottsdale, AZ (Madeleine); granddaughters, Lana and Melanie Rogoff; sister, Mitzi Page of Denver, CO (Arthur); nieces, Randee Rogers of Coral Gables, FL, Marianne and Janie Weiner of Denver, CO; nephews, Kurt Rogers of Charlotte, NC, and Kyle Rogers of Orlando, FL; and numerous cousins. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Barry Rogers.

The family would like to thank her helpers, Jadyn McComb and Sheri Weber, who have been so kind and helpful over the past year.  We would also like to thank Presbyterian Hospice and Home Instead for their compassionate and professional care of mom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH- Lomas , followed by interment at Fairview Memorial Cemetery, 700 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. Please visit our online guestbook for Beverly at www.FrenchFunerals.com

FRENCH - Lomas

10500 Lomas Blvd. NE

(505) 275-3500

www.frenchfunerals.com