Mary "Kathy" (Rogers) Dennis

Mary “Kathy” Dennis, 77, passed away in Akron Ohio on February 25th, 2026, after a short illness. She was born in Denton, Texas on November 18, 1948, to Rev. Homer and Dorothy Rogers, and graduated from North Texas State University with a BA in Music Education. She met her husband Jerry in college and they married on June 13th, 1970, in Dallas, Texas at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. Kathy and Jerry worked and lived in Jacksonville Florida. Kathy played cello for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years and taught piano through her private music studio. They moved to Ohio in 2016 to be closer to their older children up north.   

Kathy will be remembered for her love of music, great cooking, love of hospitality, and ability to trounce all of her family at Rummikub. She loved being a teacher, and she was always excited when she got to play with the incredible musicians, she encountered in her symphony career. She could usually be found after symphony concerts curled up with a bowl of Breyers Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream and a Georgette Heyer novel.  

She was devoted to her third order Carmelite sisters and had a deep love for the Blessed Mother.  She loved her friends at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida and instilled a love of sacred music into a new generation there when she directed the children’s choir.  

Kathy is survived by her husband Jerry, children Molly (Ron), Julia (Shaun), Catrice (Shawn), Elizabeth, Caleb, and Rowan, grandchildren Maura and Oliver, and many beloved family members and friends. May her memory be a blessing.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 164 W. Market Street, Akron, OH  44303.   

Kathy mentored dozens of young musicians in her career, so in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ashley Willwerth Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships for youth to attend.

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