Her obituary which will appear in tomorrow's Statesman:


Judy Ann Rogers,
Austin Texas
Judy 23, 1954 – February 1, 2008

Judy lived because of love. She especially loved to travel and to explore. Judy found a home in the wilderness, where she could interact with animals, plants, and all of nature’s wonders. She loved to dwell with the spiritual force in the “Great Green Cathedral.”

Infinitely curious, Judy loved learning and read constantly. She was a talented storyteller who loved passing on what she learned. She often found herself the center of attention, but she used that opportunity to encourage others to find their voice and join her. She loved laughter and finding the humor in the world around us.

Her love for these things and her family—especially her niece, nephew, and great-nieces and nephews—kept her going despite formidable challenges. She persevered until she was free to explore the wilderness that lies beyond our comprehension. Judy continues to learn and love in this new dimension while her spirit remains in our hearts.

While Judy had many accomplishments and earned advanced degrees and received many awards and accolades, what was most important to Judy and those who love her was how she touched the lives of others.

She is survived by her partner for 13 years, Bonnie Jean Brown. She is also survived by her mother Jewell Rogers and sister Bambi Hester.

Services will be held, Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 600 East 50th Street, Austin, TX 78751. Phone: 512-459-5835

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations “In Memory of Judy Rogers,” to Trinity United Methodist Church at the above address.

I found out this morning that my dear friend Judy passed away from cancer this weekend. I've spent most of the morning crying and reminiscing with co-workers about her. Thinking about the sweet thank you gifts she gave me, for the words of gratitude and support, for the dedication she felt towards the citizens and public water systems in the state of Texas. Her dedication was so strong that she put her chemo treatment on hold for a few weeks to handle recon to assess public water systems in the aftermath of Rita. Her words and pictures of "The Forgotten Storm" as she called it serve as a reminder of the hard work we put into that major and catastrophic event.

I'm sad that I hadn't seen her in months, as she'd been in too much pain to have me over for dinner. Sorry that we never had the chance to sit down and document several of her experiences, including the aftermath of Oklahoma City, Luby's in Killeen, and Hurricane Rita.

Of all the selfish emotions I'm feeling, what I feel the most is relief -

That she is finally at peace, and out of the pain that she had experienced for so long. The doctor had given her three months last spring, and yet she kept working until May 2007.

She will be deeply missed by many.

***********************
From Natural Resource, June 2006:

The Exceptional Customer Service Award is presented annually to one employee.

2005-2006 Winner Judy Rogers—OPRR, Water Supply Division

With Hurricane Rita bearing down on the Texas coast, Homeland Security coordinator Judy Rogers had just received treatment for her recently diagnosed cancer. But she went to her management and requested, in no uncertain terms, to be allowed to be part of the disaster team, and, after she received a doctor's OK, they agreed.

Despite the treatment, Rogers made a significant contribution to the TCEQ's preparation, response, and recovery efforts for the water systems in the area of Texas affected by Rita. Before the hurricane struck, she produced preparedness and response documents for the area's water systems. On the same day the hurricane made landfall, she was performing reconnaissance flights to assess the structural damage to water and wastewater systems.

Later, she developed recovery plans for systems damaged by Rita, suspending her medical treatments so she could provide the best plans for helping systems produce adequate and safe drinking water. Her management said no one else in the agency could have done a better job pulling together such a program, under the stress and confusion created by the hurricane, to help water system operators.

Rogers received her bachelor's degree from Texas State University, her master's degree in forestry from Stephen F. Austin, and her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. She loves to travel, to camp and hike, and to study weather patterns and events ... particularly hurricanes!

I missed a call from my ex-boyfriend, Jason, last night as I recuperated from heat exhaustion. When I called back today and his cousin answered the phone, I knew immediately that something was wrong.

NeeNee passed away early Sunday morning in her sleep, at the age of 96 years old. Although I didn't meet her when Jason and I dated/lived together in 1997-1998, I finally got to know her in spring 2005 when he and I dated again briefly. It was always a pleasure to visit with her, and sad when she had another stroke and pneumonia summer 2006. She could be funny when she was lucid, but then there were the countless nights when I would hear her cry out in her sleep at 4 am. Even with the caregivers that were there almost round the clock, it was exhausting for Jason as the primary caretaker of his grandmother and the household.

Even though I knew this day would come, it was still a shock to enter the house and see her rented medical bed was already gone. (That's Medicare for you.)

Sad to say, I honestly feel that she showed me more love and affection in the last few years I knew her then I ever received from either of my birth grandmothers.

I'll remember the sweet times when she'd adjust her mirror at the dinner table during lunch so she could see Jason and me sitting on the couch. The times when she would ask me to hold her hand and tell me that she loved me, or her favorite phrase to tease:

"Je vous aimez, je vous adore, quelque plus voulez-vous?" (rough version)

Translation?
"I love you, I adore you, what more do you want?"

I know that enough of you have to deal with the loss of a friend or loved one due to cancer, so I'm asking you all for advice -

What do you get for someone who is dying? My coworker and friend, Judy, is "retiring" tomorrow - she's going on disability. She's decided to quit fighting the system, and making herself miserable over whether she'll get sick leave pool. She and her life partner came to the agreement that is she only has three months to live, why be miserable? She's not bedridden just yet, but the pain is constant and bad enough that she's maxed out on her Oxycontin dosage and takes another medication every two hours for the breakthrough pain.

I was thinking that a gift certificate to restaurants in the area, along with To Go menus would be good. And I just remembered that a friend works for Eat Out In, so perhaps he'd set me up with some GCs as well.

Other suggestions?

I have awaited this day with dread for the last few years, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with the news of Don Walser's death due to complications from diabetes. My thoughts go out to Pat and the rest of the Walser family at this sad time.

I remember how mortified I was the last time Don honored a song request I made at a Threadgill's show, because his breathing was so labored afterwards. He was a true Texas gentleman, with a big voice and even bigger heart. It amazed me to find that Don and Pat were active in their church community, considering that he would often play six, sometimes SEVEN nights a week, and Pat would handle the merchandise.

Don always called me "the sweet little girl from KVRX", long after I had left the station and college to pursue my career. His album "Rolling Stone from Texas" was on heavy rotation in my radio shows. My most memorable moment was when he dedicated "(The Party Don't Start) 'Til the Playboys Get Here" to me at Emo's one night. I had told him how the song reminded me of some friends in Telluride, and how the night never truly began until they had arrived.

I loved his custom made embroidered shirts, especially the blue one depicting the Sky-Vue Drive-In in Lamesa. Don and I shared a fondness of drive-ins, and had the opportunity to tell him of my childhood memories of the South Main drive-in where my uncle worked at in Houston, close to the Shamrock Hilton where my grandfather's big band had played.

It was a wondrous moment when Don made his debut at the Grand Ol' Opry in 1999. He was just as comfortable playing there as he was at Emo's, Jovita's, Threadgills, The Broken Spoke - as well as Bass Concert Hall, and Lincoln Center.

Don will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in his music. Don once said on the preservation of traditional country music - "You let the roots die," he says, "and you lose the whole darn tree."

Why am I so exhausted when I don't feel I've done much of anything today?

Could be starting out the day with a mammogram and annual exam, although the nurses and doctor are caring enough. Finished up the day with CMS training for work. It was the in-between that got to me...

Funeral service at St. Luke's on the Lake was a bit surreal, such a beautiful view from the pews. Blue skies and white clouds, and Lake Travis as well. The officiating Reverend was excellent - first thing he said was to let the children be children, and wiggle and cry or sit on the floor. Sydney colored on a memory page, and the children were asked to step up to the casket during the children's prayer. The Reverend clearly and briefly explained what would happen next with Gabe - he will be cremated and his ashes spread in the Remembrance Gardens at Riverbend Church. I have to ask my friend and co-worker, Teri, whether her husband will be performing the cremation - he owns and operates one of the few crematoriums in Austin, and it means a lot to him when he knows a little more about those entrusted in his care. Children are always the hardest for him.

I wanted to say "BRAVO!" when Reverend Jameson said something to the effect of:

Today is not a day for platitudes. This is not the day for someone to tell you "God needed another angel" because he doesn't. Or "That it is for the best" because it's not, or "It'll be okay" because it isn't. Today is for grieving a loss...Not to do so takes away from the worth of a life.

*************

At work I often speak with angry or upset citizens who are concerned regarding particular contaminants in their water, and whether it directly caused the cancer and subsequent death of their loved ones. It's hard to discuss, because carcinogens and cancer itself is such an elusive thing. Is it a genetic predisposition? Environmental exposures? Congenital abnormalities?
I wish I knew the answers, as do so many.

I share their grief. I mourn the loss of Angela, of Robin, and of Gabe. I worry daily that Judy will lose the battle she's been fighting on and off again (and on again now). And I feel ashamed for the brief moments I'm uncomfortable with the discomfort of the mammogram or the pain of the blood draw. Those seconds are nothing compared to theirs, and I am grateful to whatever God or the universe for my good health.

Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2005 10:13 AM
Subject: a survivor's story: Katrina in New Orleans

I heard from my aunt last night that my cousin Denise made it out of New Orleans; she's at her brother's in Baton Rouge. from what she told me:( Read more... )

I cry...

for the little boy whose dog was taken away. So distraught he vomited.

"It's just a dog" some people say, but it's more than that...it's what a little boy holds onto, his security blanket, when he's confused and frightened.

Imagine for a moment being that boy-

in a place full of chaos and death, that was supposed to be a shelter from a storm. For days, with little food or water- remember, everyone was told to bring their own- the darkness, confusion. People hurt and dying, pregnant women going into labor, with no medical assistance, the overpowering stench from human waste...flood waters nearby, a roof, damaged and leaking. Assaults and rapes...Not even the departure is uneventful- a sniper shooting at the helicopters trying to deliver food...

To have a police officer take your dog away from you...and being powerless. Your home is gone, and now this.

I know, what choice was there? Dogs aren't allowed on the bus, stay behind and risk his life? Ridiculous, we adults say.

But just imagine, for one moment, you are that child...would you be able to get over it, even if you were reunited with your dog? You tell yourself you would, but unless you've lived those days and nights, you'll never know...

One story out of countless, many untold.

I cry for all of them...

I can't find the words to express much of what I've felt over the last few days watching the devastation and degradation in neighboring states. Sharks in the streets- both real and looters. I can't sleep, have nightmares, and wake up crying. At first I thought I might wind up desensitized with all the news coverage, but not so. Reading firsthand accounts from people like interdictor keeps it real - but also surreal.

I grew up in an area of Houston flood-prone during hurricane season. I never realized as a youth how lucky we were. When Allison hit and left my mother, sisters and I trapped in with no electricity for three days. The bayou behind our house overflowed the banks and into our streets, but the water only came up TO our house, and not into it.

I am also reminded of my experience in Costa Rica, when Hurricane Cesar/Douglas hit Nicaragua. Flash flooding and mudslides occurred, 26 people died, over $100 million dollars in damage, which is a lot by Tico standards. I was conducting research in the mangrove forests close to the mouth of the Sierpe River. Luckily I had travelled back up to the village of Sierpe, which is where I was when the storm hit. I think I would have been more frightened if we had been able to see television coverage, but electricity was sparse, and telephones practically non-existent. It rained for hours and hours.

By 5:30 am the next morning the men were headed out on all available boats, to evacuate folks from the fincas- small farms along the estuaries. When we began setting up a shelter for folks evacuated by helicopter and boats , we were told to expect 30 people. Seven hours later we had over 300, and we started a house to house plea for clothes and food for the displaced. I was mistaken for being with Red Cross, because I was the only gringa in the village. It was heartbreaking to meet a woman who had watched her husband, baby, and neighbors be washed away by a flash flood as they were crossing a bridge. I couldn't find words to say, so I gave her a hot cup of coffee. She thanked me as she held my hands and cried. I called my dad the next day to tell him what was happening, and he was distraught. He had been following the news closely, and was worried about my safety. Since there was only one pay phone available, and I was busy helping at the shelter, I hadn't thought to call anyone other than my sponsor- he and his field study students had to be air-vacced out of Corcovado National Park.

I barely escaped- we were running out of food in the village, and within two hours of my departure by bus, the road was washed out by Rio Grande de Terraba. As it was, I still had to get off the old Bluebird village bus to walk across two by fours set up as a makeshift bridge where one had been washed out. Luckily, two of the young men accompanied me- I was in a panic. I had called the local town to book a flight to the capital since the Centro-Americana Highway had over 30 bridges washed out. My sponsor couldn't come pick me up. I was told the flight would be over $200, which I didn't have. By the time we reached Palmar Norte, the President of Costa Rica had made an official statement that he would not tolerate price gouging by the airlines, so fares were dropped- my flight was $30 instead.

As I waited for my plane to arrive, I noticed small trucks filled with food and supplies surrounded by heavily armed military police in fatigues. A Tico noticed my curiousity and explained that because the Zona Sur (the peninsula we were on!) was cut off from the main portion of the country, aid was flown in. It turns out he was the director of the Lighting and Power Company, and was waiting for a friend to arrive so they could make deliveries and assess the damage. I met his "friend", who turned out to be the First Lady- the President was busy on the western coast surveying the destruction. As I flew back to San Jose, I was awestruck by how far the Rio Grande de Terraba had overflowed its banks. I managed to arrive home safely.

This still only allows me to relate on a minuscule scale to what must be going on in the southern states...

It started out as an uneventful night at Mother Egan's, except the bar was full of women- for a birthday, and a bachelorette party. I sang a couple of my regular choices, with a new one thrown in for good measure. I was thinking about cashing it in when Rusty and the boys showed up, raring to go! Rusty started out with a nice version of Baker Street, but it was Eugene who really took it over the top with a incredible range on "It's a Mistake" by Men at Work. Another great treat was from someone who was obviously "drafted", and had that deer in the headlights look. I was amazed, watching her sing a stirring rendition of "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.

A bit of a prelude- one obviously drunk and upset young guy got up to sing a song, and dedicated it to a friend who had killed herself the night before. It was sad to watch him struggle with pain as he sang the song, as well as the lovely girlfriend left behind, devastated. Quite an awkward moment, to see all that grief.
I later saw the girlfriend in the bathroom, and heard her ask someone for a hug. When I was leaving, I told her-
There's only one person at fault, and she's not here to explain her actions. You can't blame yourself. For whatever reason she found this was the only answer to her pain, and it's sad that she couldn't ask for help. Now is the time to take care of yourself, and the friends left behind. Life is too precious to be taken for granted, and you can see what pain is left behind when someone chooses to end their life.I lost a friend last month, and it served as a reminder of what happens to the living.

She was relieved to hear what I had to say, and told me that I was the first person to say that- she had been blaming herself.
We hugged before going back out into the bar, and I lost her in the crowd...
and enjoyed the rest of the show. I gave the boys a ride home, and we sang at the top of our lungs to my favorite karaoke songs I had burned on a CD. Rusty made me laugh so much, I almost cried.

What makes someone take their own life?

I've known several people who have over the last few years, including an ex-boyfriend who struggled with alcoholism most of his life. It was sad to hear, but not shocking. However, this weekend's loss was a shocking one. My sister, Lin, called in tears yesterday evening to tell me that she was waiting at the video store for our other sis. Turns out a detective had been calling all day, trying to locate the district manager, about an employee at the Braker location. The detective never said who he was calling in reference to.

Come to find out, Stu had taken his own life on Friday night. He had called Lin and said he wasn't feeling well earlier in the day- they had gotten to be very good friends when he was her assistant manager before she moved to the 360 location. She told him he could call in, but apparently he didn't and worked anyway. He closed down the store on Friday, and Saturday morning his roommate found him. He left a note- apparently not dealing well with a breakup we weren't aware of.

So sad- Stu was an all-around good guy, and I enjoyed having him on our SXSW crew last year. He had a future in filmmaking, and loved movies. He had moved here from California about two years ago in order to help his girlfriend get through school. She'd been having trouble getting into nursing school, and I think it took its toll on their relationship. I am still in shock that he didn't reach out, and is gone so suddenly.

Luckily, Jenn has been interning with Travis County Deputy Sheriff's Dept as a crisis counselor, and goes out on calls to assist with family and friends of victims. She picked Linda up and is staying with her today, and thankfully Dad was coming in today so he'll be here as well.

And so life goes on...I am saddened, but I've cried so many tears over the last couple years for friends and family lost, I've toughened up just enough not to sit at home in my own grief. With experience I've learned that people can't be helped if they don't want help, whether it be my uncle dying from lung cancer after decades of smoking or a friend who takes his own life.

Katherine gave one of the longest but most poignant elocutions heard in the Travis County courthouse- I noticed several of the clerks crying as she spoke.

Here are her words to the man who killed her son- ( Read more... )

The last few weeks have been stressful- January 27th marked the two year anniversary of Handsome Joel's death, and the trial for the drunk driver who killed him FINALLY began yesterday. I was interviewed this week by Raul Gonzalez, District Attorney for Travis County, as a potential witness in the punishment phase of the trial. It was pretty much a done deal for the intoxication manslaughter charge, so what was really up in the air was what the punishment would be.

Checked my email just now, and had this message yesterday from Joel's mom:

Mr. Wandersee has agreed to a plea bargain. He will be sentenced to 13 years with a deadly weapon charge which means that he will be required to serve at least half of that time. No early release or probation before at least 6 1/2 years. He will appear before the judge in the morning to officially accept the plea and plead guilty then the judge will give him two weeks to get his affairs in order before appearing to to start serving his time.

He accepted the guilty plea today, and we have another chance to see Wandersee in court and this time it will be when he is taken into custody. At the sentencing Katherine and family will be able to address Wandersee directly. If the judge permits, we may be able to have a friend of HJ (Lance graciously voluteered) speak on our behalf and be able to play a song from the HJ Tribute CD.

*cries*

I saw Dianna tonight, another one of HJ's Ladies, and our conversation drifted to Handsome Joel. Dianna was wearing her "I <3 HJ" button, and she laughed when I told her someone asked me if that meant, "I love hand jobs!". Joel would have thought that hysterical. As Dianna recounted her last encounter with Joel at the Tattoo Convention two years ago, we were both alarmed to realize the anniversary of his death is in two weeks. She told me about a dream she had about Joel, that was both funny and sad. We couldn't help but cry on one another's shoulders, for a dear lost friend.

I told her how difficult it was for me to deal with the loss for many months. I had to step back from volunteering with the Handsome Joel Foundation because I could no longer handle the emotional and mental drain. I still try to stay involved with the trial, especially because it has been such an emotional strain on his mother and brothers. The latest news is that the trial has been scheduled for the second week of February, with preferential status. The pretrial and hearings were postponed so many times, I have to wonder if the trial will take place as scheduled.
The district attorney seems to believe that there will be no question of whether Wandersee will be found guilty of intoxication manslaughter, but rather the main focus will be what sentence he will receive. He sent a letter to Joel's mom in hopes of a plea bargain, saying he was sorry but that his going to jail wouldn't bring Joel back...She was insulted, and angry. We remain determined to see this to the end.

I thought I was to the point where I can hold the tears back when I think of Handsome Joel. But tonight, I was writing to catelin about his trial, and the tears began to flow.

It has been six months since his death, and I don't think of the tragedy very often. I follow the emails on the egroup, anxiously waiting along with many others to hear an update on the trial. I grieve for the sweet, funny man who was a friend and common sight to so many of us in the Austin community. I regret the times I didn't stop by to say hello, when he was working at Waterloo Icehouse and Frank n' Angies and would always ask me to stop in. I can only hope that a few of the people whose lives he touched took to heart the words I spoke on the last day we ever saw his face. ( Words of Remembrance )