Anne Z. Rogers

McCordsville-Anne Z. Rogers, or Zel, as her friends affectionately called her, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023, with her longtime partner, Scott Litherland, by her side. Anne was 72 years old. She was born on April 28, 1951, in South Bend, IN to the late George and Eileen Mahaney.

She grew up one of three sisters. She was the middle child, which explains a lot. Her dad quickly nicknamed her Annie Rooney, and she called him Fogie. After attending St. Matthew’s grade school and Mishawaka Marian High School, she headed off to Indiana University, where she met her husband, Donald W. Rogers. They married in August of 1972 and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2000. Survivors of Anne include her considerably older sister, Janine Simmons, Mishawaka, IN, and her considerably younger sister, Barbara (John) Germano, Indianapolis, IN. Other survivors include her nephews: William (June Lyle) Simmons, Indianapolis, IN; Thomas (Julie) Simmons, Broomfield, CO; John (Emily) Germano, Indianapolis, IN; Joseph Germano, Austin, TX; her grandnephews: Quinn Simmons, Indianapolis, IN; Liam Simmons, Broomfield, CO; Dominic Simmons, Broomfield, CO and her grandniece, Eliot Simmons, Indianapolis, IN. She loved them all. She also had a special place in her heart for Scott’s children, Ryan and Rachel Litherland.

After graduating from IU, Anne went on to have a rich and storied career. She initially taught journalism at Lawrence High School. Her students loved her and many of them kept in touch with her over the years. Anne eventually left teaching for advertising and then public relations. In 1989, she and Scott opened their own public relations agency (Parallax Communications Group, Inc.) which served multiple healthcare and science clients for over 25 years. Not surprisingly, Parallax was an award-winning agency.

Anne was one-of-a-kind. To know her was to love her. She loved her family, friends, and her dogs, not necessarily in that order. Anne could best be described as funny, creative, and almost as smart as her younger sister, Barb. Anne truly sparkled. She loved watching her nephew Bill’s plays, painting, playing guitar, photography, and politics. She was a dyed-in-the-wool, liberal Democrat. She was also the family historian, making photos, slideshows, and writing songs for birthdays and family gatherings. When her nephew, Tom, played football in high school and college, her clever signs always made the television broadcast. She could do anything, but she wasn’t much of a cook. She once forgot to turn the oven on at Thanksgiving. She was happiest with a good pot roast, and a warm bottle of Coca-Cola.

Reminiscing and Zoom chats with her childhood friends always brought smiles to her face and tears to her eyes. Anne will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, but she will never be forgotten. She left us all with a treasure trove of funny stories and fond memories.

Anne chose to forgo visitation and funeral services. However, there will be a celebration of her life. The date and location for her celebration of life will be announced later.

Memorial donations can be made to Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., 6847 Hillsdale Court, Indianapolis, IN 46250 (rocksteadyboxing.org), where Anne was a member.