Linda Marie Rogers (nee Vergot) a 49-year resident of the Saddleback Valley passed away on September 28th at Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA at the age of 71.

Linda was born on September 16, 1952, to Nicholas M. Vergot and Marguerite Vergot (nee Ocheltree) in the city of Covina, California. She joined her older brother, John, as part of the Vergot Family. Linda attended schools in Baldwin Park and after graduating from Sierra Vista High School in 1970, she enrolled in a local dental assistant program. Upon completion she was hired by a dentist in the Covina area and started her career as a dental assistant. When her employer moved his practice to Huntington Beach, Linda followed him and took up residence there.

In August of 1973, Linda met her future husband, James Rogers, a science teacher in Newport-Mesa at a wedding. The bride, Suzette, worked in the same dental office as Linda, and the groom, Chuck, taught at the same school as James. Linda was a bridesmaid and James was a groomsman. The mother of the bride paired them up to walk down the aisle together. At first, Linda thought that James was somewhat of a "bluenose" but agreed to go on a double date with him to Disneyland with Chuck and Suzette. Their romance began to blossom and eight weeks later, James proposed to Linda while at Big Corona Beach, in Newport Beach one evening in September. Linda and James were married on April 6, 1974, at Mt of Olives Lutheran Church in Mission Viejo. They made their new home in James' condominium in Mission Viejo. A year later they purchased their first of two homes in Lake Forest.

Linda enrolled in the initial operating tech program at Golden West College where she received her O.R. Tech certification. She was hired at the then Tustin Community Hospital, working in central supply. Linda had been diagnosed as a Type-1 Diabetic in the fall of 1972 and was strongly advised not to get pregnant. Once she was hired at Tustin, she started her quest to hound the OBGYNs about adopting a baby. Her persistence paid off, and on February 11, 1978, a baby boy, who Linda and James named Nicholas Matthew, became a member of the Rogers' household. Linda went on to work in surgery at Saddleback Hospital and later for one of the orthopedic surgeons there.

Linda's passion was rescuing dogs, particularly West Highland White Terriers (Westies). Over the years, she and James rescued and adopted seventeen dogs, mostly seniors and many with health challenges.  She spent many an hour volunteering with West Highland White Terrier Club of California and Westie Rescue of Orange County and Beyond.  She was seldom seen without a dog sitting in her lap.

Over the years, Linda suffered from numerous health challenges, many associated with diabetes. She had received two kidney transplants (1995 & 2005).  James was her kidney donor for her second transplant.  She survived colon cancer and two major back surgeries and numerous trips to the ER. All this took a toll on her and eventually she was rushed to Mission Hospital after a fall. James was with her when she took her last breath and was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas, and Marguerite, in-laws, Bernard, and Margaret Rogers. She is survived by her husband of 49+ years, James, son, Nicholas, daughter-in-law, Carrie, grandchildren, Declan, and Aria, brother, John, and James' brother, Alan, sister, Kathleen, and their families.

A memorial service and reception in Linda's honor will be held at McCormick & Son Mortuary, 25002 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92637 on Saturday, October 28th from 12:00 to 5:00 with the service starting at 1:00 P.M. The Mortuary will be providing a link to watch the memorial service online and will remain available for 90 days. Linda would have loved it if those in attendance showed up wearing bright colors, especially red and/or purple!

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's memory may be made to Westie Rescue of Orange County and Beyond www.westierescueoc.com

To view webcasting of services, please click HERE .