Sophia Carol Rodger

Sophia Carol Rodger

May 23, 1921 - March 17, 2021
Laguna Niguel California

Sophia Carol Rodger

May 23, 1921 - March 17, 2021
Laguna Niguel California

Obituary

Sophia C. Rodger
May 23, 1921 – March 17, 2021

Sophia C. Rodger, age 99, of Laguna Niguel, California died peacefully at home on Thursday March 17, 2021 with her family by her side. Sophia “Suds” Rodger, daughter of Carmela and Sebastiano Maggio, was one of eight children. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, she attended Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey and graduated from the Nursing School of Paterson General Hospital.

Sophia worked as a nurse for the next sixty years in five states in a varied career with one theme: wherever she lived, she took care of people. She worked in hospitals, on a United States Air Force base in Dover, Delaware; as a department store nurse at Gimbel’s in New Jersey; many years at Akron City Hospital in Ohio; and spent much of her career as an ICU nurse in California. Sophia took care of people from birth to death, and even once saved four families from a house fire, jumping into action to call the fire department and bang on doors until everyone evacuated safely.

Retiring six times before it finally stuck at age 83, she took up volunteering to care for the elderly, and could be found doling out flu shots or taking blood pressure at the San Clemente Senior Center well into her 90s. Loved by her patients and colleagues, Sophia mentored many young nurses and young women, passing along her conviction and passion to future generations.

She was married to Andrew Rodger, Jr. on February 6, 1943 until his passing in 1978. She is survived by her children: Linda R. Macaulay, Gail Rodger Nelson, and Andrew R. Rodger; five grandchildren: Kellie Longo, Andee Shill, Elizabeth Macaulay, Anne Macaulay, and Austin Rodger; seven great-grandchildren: Lexie Smith, Arthur Lewis, Eleanor Lewis, Avalon Shill, Saylor Shill, Isla Shill, and Briar Rose Rodger; and two great-great-grandchildren: Mila Smith and Hayden Smith.

Sophia believed in being strong and independent; deeply devoted to your friends and family; and the idea that a daily walk followed by a glass of red wine at 5pm would do you good.

A celebration of her life is being planned in California on May 1 along with a virtual service for family and friends in the near future.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or charity of your choice.

 

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7 responses to Sophia Carol Rodger

  1. Barbara Lang says:

    Gail, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I never got to meet her, but have enjoyed seeing her on FB with you. Her life was inspirational… Still volunteering while in her 90’s! How neat that she was able to see great, great grandchildren! Sending you and your family hugs and prayers.

  2. Meg Schaefer says:

    Dearest Suds,
    You are missed everyday, but we hold warmly in our hearts all the special moments we shared together over the years of our friendship. You will always be remembered by everyone in my family who loved you dearly and your thoughtfulness and many kind words of wisdom will never be forgotten.
    With Much Love,
    Meg

  3. Dearest Sophia,

    We miss you tremendously, but we know that you are watching over us all…especially your beautiful family who you loved so dearly. Your daughters, your son, your grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren all adored you and will forever hold your shining spirit in their hearts. You have left behind so many wonderful memories with so many people who you have touched throughout your lifetime. I will never forget your special smile, your unique charm and your passion to be around for every endearing moment with those so close to you. I am sincerely grateful that you have been there for us and so generous with your time for our own family’s baptisms, birthdays, dinners and just one-on-one talks over cheese, chocolates and great wine. You have left behind so much inspiration for so many people and a history that can never be replicated. Thank you for always being there for us. My children will never forget you and I feel very lucky that they were able to also enjoy so much time with you as well.
    Until we meet again. You will always be my second mother, in this life and in the next.

    Love,
    Stephen, Marivic, Sophia and Stephen Jr.

    1. Kellie Longo says:

      Stephen,

      Beautifully written. My Grams loved you and your entire family so much. Thank you for being so wonderful to Grams and loving her so much. You and your family brought much joy to her life.

      Love,
      Kellie

  4. Dear Aunt Suds, My heart will miss you every day till I see you again on the other side. You were such an inspiration to me my entire life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. With love always, Carole

    1. Gina says:

      Dear Sophia,

      It was an honor to create beautiful floral arrangements for you year after year. Your smile would brighten my day and your charm inspired me on countless occasions to be a better version of myself. Thank you. Love Gina, Lilypie Flowers.

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