Obituary of Carol Roger

Carol Roger, our break-a-leg, knock-‘em-dead, life of the party gal died on Feb 28, 2025 after a brief illness. Even at 87-years-old, Carol was a dynamo and lover of life. She was a devoted mother, wife, and “Grammy,” as well as a fierce friend to so many. She was zesty, immensely creative, incredibly generous, and full of pure love. Carol made life fun.

Carol was born in Boise, Idaho, to Lavonna Andersen Lair and George Swanson. This Idaho girl was adorned with soft red curls and a warm smile that became her trademarks.

As a lifelong dancer, Carol’s love of performing began at an early age when she understood the joy it brought to others. She opened her first dance studio in Boise at the age of 15. She cherished the summer she spent in Hollywood studying dance with South Pacific (her favorite musical) superstar Mitzi Gaynor.

Carol was a proud Boise State Bronco. She later transferred to the University of Utah, where she fell in love with the dashing Mark Rudnick, a psychology graduate student who became her husband.

After Mark earned his PhD, they moved to Denver, where she opened her first dance studio in the basement of her Littleton home. For the next 20 years, she taught children ballet, tap, and jazz. After Mark’s death, Carol met and married another dashing man, Dr. Sheldon Roger. They enjoyed many years together playing tennis, chasing golf balls, traveling the world, and throwing countless dinner parties.

Carol also pursued her love of design and home décor by studying interior design. She then became a successful real estate agent, skillfully guiding her clients through the art of buying and selling homes. 

Carol volunteered endless hours to many causes, including the SPREE Arts Festival, Barbara Davis Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Volunteers of America, and the American Heart Association.

After Carol retired, she focused on the things she loved: art, flowers, theater, music, dance, book club, foreign films, documentaries, and throwing fun-filled parties. Her family, friends, and community were at the heart and soul of everything she did.

Carol would remind us that “The Show Must Go On.” To those of us who had the incredible fortune of knowing and loving her, we offer a standing ovation for a life well lived. Brava!

Carol was predeceased by her two husbands, Dr. Mark Rudnick and Dr. Sheldon Roger. She was a mother to Stephanie (Dr. Todd Kingdom) Rudnick, David (Molly) Rudnick, step-mother to David Roger, Stephen (Juliet) Roger, and Dr. Jeffery (Dr. Joanna) Roger. Her grandchildren—Ben Kingdom, Nate Kingdom, Annie Rudnick, Emily Rudnick, Samantha Rudnick, Julian Roger, Lauren Roger, Jack Roger, and Andrew Roger—hold many fond memories of their funny and adventurous grandmother.  Carol was also aunt to Greg, Geoff and Shawna Swanson.

Carol’s Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-6:00 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204.

Donations to: 

Carol Roger Dance Fund

c/o Rose Community Foundation

4500 Cherry Creek Dr, Ste. 900

Denver, CO 80246