Ex-Newport Councilwoman Trudi Rogers Dies

Former City Councilwoman Trudi P. Rogers died Friday at Hoag Hospital from complications related to cancer, according to family members.

Mrs. Rogers, 68, was the wife of Howard N. Rogers, who was a city councilman for 10 years and was serving as mayor at the time of his death in 1976. She then finished his term in office, which ran through April, 1978.

Mrs. Rogers, born in 1921 in Denver, moved with her family to San Diego in 1927. She attended Francis Parker and the Bishops School in La Jolla and graduated magna cum laude from USC in 1943. At USC, she became a member of Pi Beta Phi and continued to support the sorority until her death.

In 1948 she married Howard Rogers, whose uncle George Rogers was responsible for the 1936 improvement and development of Newport Harbor.

She served as campaign manager for her husband’s three successful City Council bids.

Survivors include one daughter, Margaret Rogers Baker of Mission Viejo, sons Robert Rogers of Sherman Oaks, and Howard N. Rogers Jr. of Huntington Beach; three grandchildren, and a brother.

Memorial services are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach.