Teacher, coach and devoted daughter, sister and friend Kerri Roger, 44, passed peacefully on Jan. 11, 2024. Though esophageal cancer took her life, it could never diminish her loving, giving nature or her legacy, which somehow fit countless lifetimes of service into 44 short years. Even while dealing with her own illness, Kerri was an undaunted ally and advocate for her mother, helping her through her cancer diagnosis, surgery, and care before she passed last spring.

As a field hockey and crew coach, Kerri went undefeated in her love and devotion to her athletes, and as a math teacher, there was no problem that she did not strive to solve, especially when it came to the lives and learning of her beloved students. She always had a special connection to every young person who needed one, especially those struggling in the classroom or at home. She gave them supplies, books, tutoring, food, holiday gifts, and most of all, her ears and her enormous heart.

Her passion for education came from her parents. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on May 2, 1979, the longtime Girl Scout (who earned Silver and Gold awards) was the daughter of John and Susan (Halsted) Roger. Like Kerri, both were longtime local teachers and tireless union advocates.

A rower and mathematics major at SUNY Geneseo, where her roommates became lifelong friends, Kerri returned to her alma mater John Jay High School to teach math from 2002 until just a month before her passing. She earned her master's degree in education from Mount Saint Mary College and later, her National Board Certification, both while working as a full-time teacher and coach.

On the field, in the crew boat and in the classroom, Kerri led by example, her dedication to service and helping others always shining through. For example, she and her field hockey team adopted children with illnesses through the Friends of Jaclyn organization.

Her kindness and devotion extended to dogs as well, especially big, rambunctious dogs who adored her attention and their long hikes: Paper the Doberman and Loki, her 4-year-old huskie mix.

When she set out to do something, Kerri went over and above. She set a goal to run 13 half marathons before her 39th birthday…and she ran 15 up and down the East Coast. When she decided to travel more, she visited several countries (often while chaperoning high school students), including trips to Austria, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, England, Hungary, Italy, Prague, Saint Martin, Scotland, and Spain.

Kerri was predeceased by her mother, Susan H. Roger, and is survived by her father, John Jr.; her brother John A. Roger III (Tracy); her brother Byron J. Roger (Katie); her sister Robin Roger McKenzie (Charles); her aunt Ellen Halsted; and her cousins, Lindsay Lowry and Lauren Ramondetta. The loves and lights of her life, though, were undoubtedly her nephews and nieces: Abigail, Amelia, Charlie, Liam, Miles and Noah.

Calling hours will be on Monday, Jan. 15, from 2-6 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A service will be on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Hopewell Reformed Church, at 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction, followed by a burial at Hopewell Cemetery.

A scholarship has been established in her name: the Kerri Roger Memorial Scholarship. Please make checks payable to Katrina Duffy, and mail them to John Jay High School, NY-52, Hopewell Jct., NY 12533.



Even for those she never taught or coached, Kerri's short life offers a legacy that anyone could learn from. Kiss, kiss, Kerri. You will always be in our hearts.