Mary Ann (Cowlishaw) Rogge, 88, Loves Park, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Rockford. She was born on November 24, 1937, the daughter of Fearl and Alice “Ally B” (Beatrice) Cowlishaw, in Independence, Iowa. She married the love of her life, James “Jim” Rogge on August 6, 1960, in Fairbank, Iowa.

For thirty-four years, Mary Ann devoted herself to teaching, sharing her wisdom, patience, and passion with students in Illinois and Iowa. She spent six of those years teaching at St. Bridget Catholic School. Education was more than a job to her; it was her calling.

Mary Ann was the embodiment of positivity. Her sunny disposition made her not just a devoted wife and mother but also a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. With all of the hats she wore, she was the gold standard.

Christmas held a special place in her heart. Mary Ann filled her home with the spirit of the holidays. Her love for decorating, filling stockings, and bringing magic to the season was legendary among her family and friends.

An avid reader, Mary Ann not only indulged in her own love for literature but made it a mission to instill that same passion for reading in her family. She cherished the moments spent sharing stories and discussing books. An active lifestyle was important to her, as she kept herself fit by working out twice a week. She also enjoyed her weekly book club and bridge club gatherings, where laughter and connection thrived.

Mary Ann had a love for shopping, especially when it came to shoes, reflecting her vibrant personality and zest for life. Her interests were as varied as they were rich, each contributing to the tapestry of a woman who lived life fully and with unfettered joy.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jim Rogge; her children, Mike Rogge, Susan (Terry) Peterson, and Karen (Mitch) Cannell; her grandchildren, Kristina (Andy) Thomas, David (Shannon) Stone, Evan (Kate) Peterson, Brogan (Kailey) Fischer, and Emma (Tim) Heinemann; her great grandchildren, Grace Randich-Stone, Lyla Stone, George Peterson, Joanna Peterson, Dorothy Peterson, Taya Fischer, Judah Fischer, Jayden Fischer, Peter Heinemann, and one more on the way. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fearl and Ally B; her mother and father-in-law, Frank and Esther Rogge; her grandson, Adam Rogge; her daughter-in-law, Diane Rogge; and her brother and sister-in-law, Leonard (Virginia) Ring.

We would like to thank OSF Hospice and all of the nurses that attended Mary Ann.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with a funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park IL, 61111. Burial at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to OSF Home Health and Hospice (online here) To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.