Family/Spouse: BEDINGER, Elizabeth. Elizabeth (daughter of BEDINGER, Daniel and Mary E) was born in Nov 1883 in KY; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

July 26, 2012
Margaret Roggow

The Tonawanda News

SEQUIM, WA — Margaret passed away at home in Sequim, Washington, while under the care of loved ones and hospice. On July 1st, Margaret was getting on her electric scooter to go to the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center's (SARC) pool when she suffered a stroke. A few days prior, she was making plans for Christmas. She was a remarkable woman with a positive attitude and an active, independent lifestyle which inspired all who knew her. She would be disappointed to have missed her 100-1/2 year birthday by six days. Margaret lived a rich life filled with family, friends and adventure.

Born to James Farrow and Elizabeth Bedinger Brugh, Margaret grew up on the family farm in Montvale, Virginia with her five siblings. She received her Bachelor of Arts in physical education from Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia. She taught physical education and science in Montgomery, West Virginia where she met her future husband, Norman "Doc" Roggow. She and Norm moved to North Tonawanda, New York in 1939. They lived there for over 50 years working and raising a family.

For many summers, Margaret and Norm worked at Camp Pathfinder, a rustic, private boy's camp in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. Margaret loved Pathfinder and during many of her 50 summers she taught rowing. After retirement in 1970, Margaret and Norm traveled extensively throughout six continents. Norm developed Alzheimer's and Margaret spent over 12 years caring for him until his death in 1993. In 1998, she moved with her daughter and son-in-law to Sequim, Washington.

Margaret was a "regular" at the SARC. She rode "her" stationary bicycle, did water exercises, and enjoyed the steam room, hot tub, and socializing with friends. She was a role model for "aging gracefully." She played pinochle several times a week with groups from the Sequim and Port Angeles Senior Centers. In addition she enjoyed reading novels, playing penny slots at casinos, going to Costco, eating at buffets, doing jig-saw puzzles, watching "Judge Judy" and spending time with family. Her mental, physical, and social activity kept her "forever young!"

Family was the most important thing to Margaret. In August 2011, her family held a "Celebration of Life" in Sequim, recognizing her nearly 100 years. In attendance were over 70 relatives and friends from across the US, Canada, as well as many friends from the Sequim area.

Margaret is survived by her daughter, Valerie Grier (husband, Terry) of Sequim, Washington; her son, Robert Roggow (wife, Diane) of Longmont, Colorado; her sister, Betty Anne Glass (husband, Harold) of Roanoke, Virginia; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

At Margaret's request, there will be no service. She felt her memorial service was held last August and she was happy to be alive for it. Her ashes are divided and will be buried next to her husband in North Tonawanda, New York, at Camp Pathfinder, Ontario, Canada, and at her childhood home in Virginia.

Margaret will be remembered for the inspiration she was to all who knew her and for her cheerfulness, kindness, sense of humor, love, and acceptance she displayed towards others. Margaret requested any donations be sent to: The Sequim Senior Activity Center, P.O. Box 1827, Sequim, Washington 98382.

Visit www.tonawanda-news.com/obituaries for online guest register.

Family/Spouse: ROGGOW, Norman. Norman (son of ROGGOW, Gustav F and SCHUMACHER, Helena) was born about 1906 in New York; died in 1993. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GLASS, Harold. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Norman married MILLS, Katherine Elizabeth [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Diane. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: JABS, William. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GRIER, Terry. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]