Suzette Marie (Graham) Rogers passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after a courageous nine-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 66 years old.
Suzette (Suzie) was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on April 16, 1959, to Richard Graham and Barbara (Kirkpatrick) Graham Roche. She spent her early childhood in Kalispell, Montana, before moving to Minnesota, where she lived for the remainder of her life. A proud graduate of Wayzata High School, Class of 1977, Suzie lived with compassion, strength, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.
In 1984, she married Mark Rogers. Though their relationship changed over time, they remained close friends and loving co-parents to their daughter, Kathleen (Katie) Elizabeth Rogers.
In 2014, Suzie moved to New Prague, where she built a townhouse and found joy in the close-knit community. Her kind and welcoming nature quickly made her a cherished neighbor, especially among fellow dog lovers. A true animal enthusiast, she always had a pocket full of dog treats and a heart open to every furry friend she met.
She enjoyed a successful career at AT&T, working over 25 years as a Manager–Senior Credit Analyst. Yet, her greatest joy came from being "Yaya" to her beloved granddaughters, Autumn and Colette. Suzie treasured every moment with them—baking cookies, playing games, sharing wisdom, and creating memories filled with laughter and love. She fought cancer with determination and grace, driven by her desire to have a lasting and meaningful presence in their lives.
Suzie is survived by her daughter, Katie (Kevin) Bastyr of New Prague; granddaughters, Autumn and Colette; sister, Michele (Jay) Armstrong of Lakeville; nephew, Nicholas (Maren) Armstrong of Apple Valley; niece, Bridget Armstrong of Eagan; and great-nephew, Bennett Armstrong of Apple Valley. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Graham, and her mother, Barbara Roche.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorials preferred, in honor of Suzie's generous and loving spirit, to The Bond Between animal rescue.
