Mariba Cecile (Rogers) Chmielewski, of Norwich, NY, ascended to heaven on October 6th, 2021.
Born on August 16, 1933 in Endicott, NY, Mariba was the first child born to Dr. Cecil Eggleston Rogers and Mariba Lovinia (Morse) Rogers.
Mariba graduated as Salutatorian with the Oxford Academy Class of 1952. Following high school, she earned a degree in Dietetics from Syracuse University in 1956. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi, and Lafayette Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Following college, she worked for Doctor Richard Kiley as a dietitian under a prestigious federal grant dedicated to kidney research. She also worked for many different hospitals in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Binghamton, Oneonta, and Norwich, before eventually retiring from the New York State Veteran’s Home.
On November 4, 1972, Mariba married her love, Stanislaw Chmielewski. Her deep devotion to her religious faith guided her for the duration of her life. A great history buff, she especially loved all things having to do with the British monarchy. She loved her family and watching her great nieces and nephews grow and learn. She also loved traveling—and took great joy in being able to travel out West and to Alaska. Mariba also had a great love for animals—especially her dog, Zeb. Well into her later years, she still enjoyed getting together with her high school classmates, especially her long-time friend Mary Lou Lougheed.
Mariba was predeceased by her mother, father, husband, and dear friends Anne Carnachan, Bessie Sommers, and Grace Franklin. She is survived by brother Raymond (Laurie) Rogers of Bristol, TN, sister Cynthia Thompson of Norwich, cousins Raymond C. Morse of New Hartford and Robert N. Rogers of Oxford, nephews Michael (Tammy) Rogers, Richard (Alice) Thompson, Timothy (Catherine) Thompson, and many great nieces and great nephews.
Her family wishes to thank the staff at both the Bida Home and the Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care for Mariba over the last several years.
A funeral service for Mariba will take place on Thursday, October 14th at 11:00am at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford. Friends and family may share memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com