Deborah Rogers

Deborah Thornton Prouty Tosi Rogers (also known as Mrs. Tosi, Mrs. Rogers, Debbie and, most of all, Mom) died at her Hingham home, November 2, 2023. Born December 11, 1928, in San Francisco, she was the daughter of Dorothy Lowe Thornton and Lawrence W. Prouty. Deborah grew up in La Grange, Illinois, where she graduated from the Lyons Township High School.

Deborah attended Simmons College, and frequently visited her grandparents’ farm in Norwell, MA, where she enjoyed picking rhubarb and strawberries from their large garden. Like many women of her generation, Deborah left college to marry Jerome (Jerry) Tosi, a decorated World War II pilot and eventual president of Pastene Company. She was confronted early by the health issues of her second child, but she rose to the challenge, helping him become one of the first children to receive life-saving surgery a decade later.

After a short stint in New Jersey, the family moved to Cohasset, MA, where they built a home and raised their four children. A devoted member of the First Parish Church, Deborah helped lead the religious education program. Although it seems a bit humorous now, she also raised eyebrows when she led her daughter’s brownie troupe and determined that 11-year-olds were mature enough to learn about their menstrual cycles.

With the death of her grandmother, Deborah gladly took on the job of hosting an annual Thanksgiving/Family Reunion dinner. The tables often spread from the kitchen, into the dining room and family room, and sometimes even the living room to accommodate 50+ members of her large extended family, (particularly the year her daughter brought home all of her medical school classmates without a place to go), a tradition that continues to this day.

To support her daughter’s dream of medical school, Deborah became a real estate agent to help meet tuition needs. Using borrowed books, Deborah studied all the licensing rules, but almost turned away on exam day when she met several men who had already failed the exam multiple times at the door. She nonetheless summoned her courage and passed the exam with flying colors - a testimony to her remarkable intelligence and determination.

Deborah’s second marriage was to A. Lewis Rogers. Deborah took on supporting her four children, three step-children, one “add” and numerous “temporary” live-ins with gusto. She and Lew were known for long delicious dinners filled with endless humorous banter as they strove to blend their extensive family.

After Lew retired, they established a home in Chatham, MA which became the new center of gravity for their extended family. Deborah continued her career as a successful real estate agent and a leader in her new community. It was said that she never “sold” anyone a home, rather she helped them “find” what they wanted. Together, she and Lew helped found the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House of Chatham, securing and refurbishing the building that is a prominent landmark, greeting visitors as they enter Chatham center.

Deborah and Lew loved to travel, but confounded the family when they announced that they were moving to St. Petersburg. Why would they leave Chatham for Florida? Our goof. They moved to St. Petersburg, Russia for a year, where Lew volunteered his technology skills and Deborah taught English to high school students.

All those who have known Deborah will remember her for her warmth, optimism, and irrepressible spirit. The matriarch of her extended family, resilient and beloved for the love and support she offered all, Deborah is survived by her sister, Ellen P. Cotts, four children, (Laura L. Tosi, Jerome R. Tosi Jr, Mark G. Tosi, Christopher J. Tosi), three step-children (Robin Rogers, Kimberly Cochrane, Brian Rogers), and Chun Chan, who joined the family from China in 1978; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews..

A memorial service will be held at the First Parish Church of Cohasset on May 25 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rogers Building Fund, Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, PO Box 18, Chatham MA 02633.