Carol Rogers

New London — Carol Ann Rogers passed away Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Carol had suffered bouts of cancer numerous times through her life and was recently diagnosed with dementia, but fought to maintain her independence as she aged and her vision failed. Carol was born Sept. 29, 1929, in Johnstown, Pa., the only child of Milton and Hazel (Hawk) Bindloss.

Carol graduated from Quaker Hill Grammar School and Chapman Technical High School in New London. She married Thomas M. Kiely in 1951, then, following their divorce, met and married Wilfred C. “Will” Rogers, while working for The Day as a proofreader. After Will’s early retirement, the couple moved to Florida, in 1976, and settled on the West Coast, where their love of nature and the water led them to be active in the Lemon Bay Conservancy and the Sarasota Sea Turtle Rescue League. Carol was an avid gardener and for many years served as horticulture chairman for the Lemon Bay Garden Club, of which she became a life member. She was also a life member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs.

Carol is survived by her two sons, Patrick Kiely and wife Judith of Sheffield, Mass., and Thomas Kiely and wife Elizabeth of Mystic. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Laura Voland, and Nicole Conroy (John) both of Mystic, and Emma Kiely of Sheffield, Mass. Carol also leaves two great-granddaughters, Kiely and Sophia Voland of Mystic. In addition, she is survived by a step-grandson, Nathan Rogers (Kimberly) of Tolland, and their son Andrew.

A graveside service will be held Monday, April 15, at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 628 Broad St., New London. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.