Meet Susan Rogers

Susan Rogers, her husband Rick [ of 42 years ], and their 9-year old dog Winston hail from Ontario, and recently moved to Calgary 15-months ago. They now reside in the community of MacEwan in NW Calgary.

Why the sudden move – especially during the pandemic? Well, as with most things, COVID put many things into perspective for Rogers and her family. Her two kids, Nicholas and Natasha along with their partners, have both lived in Calgary for some time and it’s been over 10 years since they have all lived in the same place. Rogers suffered from some health concerns and that mixed with the uncertainty of the pandemic was enough to make the move to be reunited with her kids once again.

Before retiring, Rogers was an educational assistant for special needs children. She also loves sewing and baking, but most of all she loves seeing people enjoy the sweet treats she gifts them.

We sat down with Rogers to learn about the warmth and love her neighbours have shown her and her husband and what she is excited to experience in the city post-pandemic.

What’s your favourite part about living in Calgary?

“I love living in Calgary because it has been 10 years since we have lived near our kids and I missed them so much. It’s also very unique to see the bobcats come so close to our homes. The wildlife is incredible how it wanders through the city. I love all the walking paths that seem to go on forever.”

What made you and your family move here?

“We came to Calgary to be with our kids. I have suffered a lot of illnesses and the pandemic certainly put things into perspective and really made me see how important it was for me to be near my kids. It was hard to leave my siblings, but they understood because they all live close to their kids and were happy we were able to move near ours.”

What do you love about your community?

“We have found the Calgary community to be very friendly. We were very lucky to have found our new home in Heritage Village. When we arrived, our furniture was still in Ontario and a neighbour came with a coffee pot and a hot plate for us to cook on as we had renovations going on. They would show up with goodies for us and really made us feel at home. I have lost my brother and sister since moving here and my husband lost his mother. The outpouring of sympathy, generosity and cards from our neighbours was out of this world. People we barely knew were there for us in our time of need.”

How have they supported you so far?

“I have very special neighbours who check in on me knowing I have health issues. They are some of the kindest, most giving people I have ever met and have become very good friends.”

What do you think unites us as Calgarians?

“There are so many volunteer opportunities in this city and it gives us the opportunity to become a diverse city and get to know people from all walks of life. We are able to expand our horizons and become united.”

What does community mean to you?

“Community to me means having fellowship with others. It means people taking care of each other, sharing common interests and helping each other in times of need.”

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