By Geoffrey Huchel
Joanne Rogers, the widow of television icon Fred Rogers, died January 14, 2021. No cause of death has been revealed.
Rogers was born Sara Joanne Byrd in Jacksonville, Florida on March 9, 1928. She was playing the piano as her early as 5 years old. Her superb skill at playing the instrument earned her a scholarship to study piano at Rollins College in Florida. She earned a bachelor of music degree in piano performance and went on to earn a master’s degree in music from Florida State University. In addition to a career in music, Ms. Rogers also served as a teacher, both at Chatham College’s Preparatory School and Carlow College in the 1970s.