Erin Rogers
February 13, 1973 ~ April 14, 2021
Erin Kathleen Rogers, 48, of Mount Vernon, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Hallmark Care Center with 'the Mom' at her side. Born February 13, 1973, at Fort Hood, Texas, Erin spent her first years living in Texas, Alabama, and Hawaii with her military family. Erin attended schools in Coralville, Iowa, and graduated from West High School in Iowa City, in 1991. She attended Hamilton Business College in Cedar Rapids, and worked in local restaurants, bars, Slumberland, and GNC.
Erin was part of one of the largest studies to detect and track the earliest signs of Huntington's Disease (HD). PREDICT-HD acquired a great deal of knowledge over twelve years to lay the groundwork for clinical trials testing new HD therapies in at-risk participants. Erin also participated in HDSA-Iowa HOOP-a-THONs to raise funding, awareness, and support for persons with HD.
Erin was a Chicago Cubs and Detroit Lions fan (especially Barry Sanders). When 'Mom' announced she was going to be a Green Bay Packers fan after Peyton Manning retired because of a new QB, Aaron Rodgers, Erin said that she hated the Packers.
Erin spent five caring and fun years at Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon where she was loved and recognized as a fierce watcher (Do not Disturb) of Ion TV criminal shows. The family is so grateful for Hallmark's over the top love and care during these years.
Best known for her beautiful smile and open arms, Erin is survived by her Mom, Mary Nugent Woods (Kevin) of Mount Vernon; sister, Chrissy Rogers Swartzendruber (Jim) of North Liberty; brother, Adam Michael Rogers of Pecatonica, Illinois; step-sisters, Sarah Woods (Lucas Casper) of Marion, and Lynn Woods of Cedar Rapids; nephews, Tyler Harapat, Trevor Harapat, Cameron Swartzendruber, Alex McCluskey, Gruffydd Casper; niece, Izzy McCluskey; and her very special cat of 18 years, Ace Rogers.
Erin was preceded in death by her father, Richard Rogers; and sister, Kyle Emily Rogers.
A Private Inurnment and Celebration of Life Gathering will take place at Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery in the fall.
In Erin's honor, please contribute to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, play your favorite song, and tip a glass to Erin's winning smile.
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Dear Mary and family. Erin was a beautiful baby, young girl and vibrant woman. I am so very sorry for your loss and am holding you all on the light. May her memory be a blessing. Dixie Collins
I remember when I met Erin in high school. We had home economics class together. She was the nicest person with a great personality. My condolences to you and your family, May she Rest In Peace.
Erin and I worked together in the 90’s and became fast friends. We always had a blast together, she was so fun, direct, honest and up for anything. She got along with everyone. One day we went to lunch at Diamond Dave’s with my parents and there was a basketball game on. My parents kept looking at the tv and Erin said “I think it’s really rude to watch tv when you are out to eat”. I laughed so hard and my parents did too and stopped looking at the tv. She will be greatly missed. I’ll always remember her spirit.
Erin, yes, she hadn’t changed at bit. Spirited and fun at the Care Center
Chrissy & family, I was so sorry to hear the news of Erin’s passing. I hope that happy memories will be a comfort to you all. May God grant all of you a measure of His grace to help you all bear up under this time of deep personal loss. Love, Joette.
I’m sorry for your loss Mary and Kevin.
Met Erin in Jr. high music theory class. And we were friends until I moved away. I’ve never forgotten that smile. Rest well dear friend❤️
I worked with Erin, at Slumberland, and we hung out some. Went for walks, had lunch, and she attended church a few times with me. I always loved her zest for life and cheerfulness. When she left her apartment I lost track of her. I tried calling several times but no one ever answered. I would have liked to have kept in touch. She will be missed.
Thank you Becky. Erin spoke of you.
Mary, I was so sorry to learn of your and your family’s loss of your daughter, Erin. May memories, as grief subsides, keep her close, living in your hearts.
Mary and Kevin, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Erin at the grocery store, always loved her spunk. I will remember that beautiful smile always. Keep her love close to your hearts and remember to smile when thinking of that beautiful young lady. Hugs to you both, Annamae
As Member of a family with HD. I know Erin’s struggle. We appreciate her participation in The HD research, hopefully bringing a cure for all who suffer.
Thank you for your kind words…and part of our HD family
Sorry for your loss seems trite, but the pain of loss is real. Please accept my condolences. Blessings and hugs to you both.
So so sorry to hear of Erin’s passing. I always enjoyed our lunches together at the care center! The “table of love” will never be the same. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Coming from a family that has lost three members to HD and have two more diagnosed with HD, I know the struggle that you have had to endure. When I would visit Erin I was reminded so much of my one cousin whom we lost. Both had this most contagious smile, even though life was often difficult. My heart goes out to Erin’s family, although I have only met Mary a few times, I consider her a friend and I ache for her loss. My hope that one day a cure will be found for this disease that has taken those we love away from us. Dixie Mackie
We are so sorry to hear of your loss Chrissy. The whole bakery is thinking about you and yours. Sending love and strength. xoxoxo, Jamie and the bakery staff
I have searched for Erin a number of times. She and Deenie and I were best friends at NW Jr High! I finally Googled her and saw this. I am devastated that such a beautiful soul was taken so young.
I remember going to Erin’s apartment and swimming all the time! She had the best music collection too and we made up dance routines to Ratt and Poison songs! She got me into those rock bands and I have loved them ever since. We would’ve been forever friends but I had to move because of my own dad dying during those middle school years. I will never forget you old friend. Rest peacefully…until we meet again ~ Allison VanLier-Johnson