Vivian M. (Piragas) Rodgers, 91, of Worcester and West Dennis, MA died on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Her husband of over 65 years, Alfred J. Rodgers predeceased her on December 22, 2014. She is survived by her sons, Paul A. Rodgers and his wife Paula of Madison, FL, and Steven M. Rodgers and his wife Andrea A. Schofield of Auburn; a granddaughter, Heather L. Rodgers and her fiancé, Stanley Wheeler of Wesley Chapel, FL. She leaves a niece Ellen (Perry) Cook and her husband Thomas of Norwood, MA and her family, a niece Kathleen (Putis) Walance and her husband Paul of St. Mary, GA, a nephew John Putis, Jr and his wife Maryanne of Walnut Creek, CA and other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by her brother, Edward (Piragas) Perry and his wife Carol Dolan Perry. Vivian was born in Worcester, the daughter of Simon and Margaret (Zaveckas) Piragas.
Vivian graduated from Commerce High School and worked many years in the Office for Johnson Electronics and Stark Electronics. In 1980 she became a volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester where she later became manager of the Gift Shop, retiring when it moved to its downtown location. She continued to volunteer at the hospital and was a member of R.S.V.P.
She was a lifetime member of the now closed St. Casimir Church where she was very active in the church and school. She was a member of the Parish Council since its inception and served as Parish Treasurer as well as overseeing the building fund and finance committees. She chaired many successful Bishop Fund drives for the parish and was recipient of their distinguished member award in 2011 and the Diocesan Ministry Award in 2004. She was also Secretary of the Sisters of St. Casimir Auxiliary.
Vivian was very active as President for several terms of the former Mother’s Guild of the parish school. She was a lifetime member of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence. She served as president of Knights of Lithuania, Council 26 for many years and was also president of the New England District. Vivian received the Designation of Honorary Membership in 2011. She was instrumental in assisting nursing students from Lithuania to attend Anna Maria College to continue their education. She was a member of the Lithuanian Charitable Society, Maironis Park where she was an auditor. Also, a member of the former Lithuanian American Women’s Alliance and member of the former Triple “C” Squares and “Funtime Squares” square dancing clubs and at one time was secretary of the Worcester Area Coordinators Assoc. of Square Dancers.
Vivian was an active member of her St. Casimir Parish Community and was proud of her Lithuanian heritage and shared that at her new parish of St. John Church. She was a member to the Lithuanian Choir at St. John Church and participated in and was a Lector for the Lithuanian Masses there. She made many friends through her volunteering and dedication to many causes that were dear to her heart. She will be missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched by her compassion and friendship.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton Street with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. John Church, 40 Temple Street. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday, Nov. 21, 2016 from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Knights of Lithuania – Council 26 will gather at 4:00 P.M. to conduct their ritual.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to St. John Food for the Poor, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.