8th September 2022
In Memory: Joanne Rogers ’50 ’05H
Joanne Rogers ’50 ’05H, acclaimed concert pianist and wife of Fred Rogers ’51 ’74H, died Thursday, January 14, in Pittsburgh at the age of 92.
An only child, Sara Joanne Byrd was born March 9, 1928, 11 days before her future husband and Rollins’ beloved alumnus, Fred Rogers ’51 ’74H, who created the iconic children’s television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Joanne was raised in Jacksonville, Florida, by her parents, Ebra and Wyatt Byrd, and at age 5, took up piano lessons after a neighbor