Irene L. Rogers, 84, teacher, church organist

Irene L. Rogers, a homemaker and church organist, died of emphysema Saturday at her daughter's Pikesville home. The Elkridge resident was 84.

Born Irene Lawson in Kansas City, Mo., she was raised and graduated from high school in Rocky Ford, Colo. She earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Denver in 1941, and taught music in Rocky Ford elementary schools for several years before her 1943 marriage to Joseph Rogers. The marriage ended in divorce.

After moving to Maryland in 1950, she taught at the Crosby School in Catonsville and Glenelg Country School in Howard County.

Mrs. Rogers was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, where she was the organist for 16 years. She also played organ at Grace Episcopal Church in Elkridge and St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City.

She enjoyed reading and was a member of the Howard County Book Club. She was also a charter member of the Howard County Historical Society.

Mrs. Rogers was an avid bridge player and a member of the Forest Hill Swim and Tennis Club in Ellicott City.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. John's Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Road.

She is survived by a son, John Lawson Rogers of Reisterstown; a daughter, Betsy Robinson of Pikesville; and four grandchildren.