Helen Rogers

Helen Rogers of Upper Saddle River, passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the age of 93.  Born in Morristown, Helen and her family of origin moved to New York and eventually made their way back across the Hudson to settle in Englewood Cliffs.  After graduating from Fort Lee High School, she chased her dreams and entered the world of fashion which, in the course of time, led to a brief career as a New York City runway model. 

A woman known for her great poise and beauty, it was only a matter of time until Helen fell in love, married, and exchanged her modeling career to start and raise a family.  Eventually she settled in Tenafly, raising her four children, energetically serving her community as a troop mother for the Girl Scouts and as president of the Mother’s Guild of Mount Carmel Church.

With her children now grown, she remarried and moved to Upper Saddle River, where she spent the last 44 years of her life.  There, she extended her community service as a long-term volunteer for the Valley Hospital Auxiliary in Ridgewood.  Helen was also a wonderful pianist, mostly self-taught and she was also known by her family and friends for her mastery of sewing, knitting and crochet.

Although Helen never completely fulfilled her professional career aspirations, she often extended herself in loving support to her family and friends and beyond.   Many came to count on her to help them in times of need or personal challenge – always given with ingenuous intent and encased in a loving caress that only she could invoke.  Her capacity for caring will be greatly missed.

Helen is survived by her loving children Edward Kemly (Jody), Barbara Kemly, James Kemly, and Thomas Kemly (Lynn) and her step-children George Rogers (Lynn), Evelyn Dana (Walter), and Margaret Sartor. She is also survived by her grandchildren Rachael (Marcus), Brett (Alyssa), Brian (Rachel), Tyler, Blake, Torrie (Erica), Thomas (Laura), Jason and Jaclyn; and her great grandchildren Braxton and Brynn.

She was predeceased by her adoring husband George Rogers, Sr. in 2008, and her brothers, James and Ronald.

Due to the current health concerns, all services for the family are private.  Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, www.vpfh.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory can be made to the Upper Saddle River Ambulance Corps., 378 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ  07458 or USR CARES, PO Box 654, Saddle River, NJ 07458.  378 West 

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