Thelma Jean Rogers

Thelma Russell Rogers, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center, surrounded by her immediate family. She was born on February 15, 1943, to George and Naomi Russell and grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, as part of a large and loving family.Thelma most recently resided in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, after moving from Cape Canaveral, Florida in 2024 to be closer to her family.She will always be remembered as a kind and caring mother, grandmother, and friend. Thelma loved living near the beach in Florida, where she walked daily, collected seashells, and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine. She cherished time spent with family and friends, enjoyed vacations in Mexico, loved music, and had a wonderful sense of humor-she truly loved to laugh.Thelma was a devoted mother to her two sons, Matthew Rogers and Michael Rogers. She was predeceased by her son Matthew, who passed on June 6, 2023. She is survived by her son Michael Rogers of Somers, Connecticut; his wife, Julie Rogers; and her beloved grandsons, Braden and Christopher Rogers.She was also predeceased by several of her siblings: Eleanor Fortini, Carol Landers, Delbert Russell, and Herbert Russell. She is survived by her sister Joyce Maybury of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.Thelma worked for many years as a school bus driver in Hampden, Massachusetts. She later worked at Monsanto and Solutia, retiring in 2006. Following her retirement, she moved to Cape Canaveral with her longtime companion, Bernard Rybinski, who passed away in 2014.Family and friends are welcome to join in remembering and celebrating Thelma at Forastiere Smith Funeral and Cremation, 220 N. Main St. East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, on Saturday, March 21st, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Thelma's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.