Laura Rogers
Laura Rogers, of Newark, Delaware passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2026.
Laura was born in Carbondale, IL in April of 1944 and lived in California and Oregon before settling with her husband, Charles, in Newark, DE.
Laura was known for her vibrant personality, love of music, and overall enthusiasm for life. She was active in the Newark Symphony Orchestra for over forty years and had been responsible for running the “Instruments in the Attic” program, supplying previously loved instruments to children in need. She served as a private teacher for music lessons for several years, and was the music teacher in residence at the Charter School of Newark.
Her indomitable spirit and strength of will was never more evident than in her decades-long commitment to sobriety. Laura was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years, leaving behind an enduring legacy of mentorship and community. Her innate kindness and generosity to the newly sober looking for guidance was reflected in the outpouring of heartfelt testimony in the weeks before her death.
Laura had a deep love of thrift shopping, and would often go to almost any length to find a good deal. Her pro-level knowledge of thrifting tactics was passed on to her daughter, grandchildren and many friends.
She is survived by her sister, Anne, in Seattle, WA; husband, Charles Culberson; daughter, Becky; and grandchildren, Colin, Charlotte and Cathryn.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1 pm until 2 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a time of sharing will begin at 2 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, Laura requested memorials be made to the Newark Symphony Orchestra, Margaret Badger, Business Manager, P.O. Box 7775, Newark, DE 19714-7775, or online by clicking here, or by contacting the business manager at (302) 369-3466 or info@newarksymphony.org.
Laurie Schnepf
To Charles, Becky and all Laura’s family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Laura was “larger than life” and leaves a void in her wake… but thankfully, leaves so many wonderful memories too.
She was funny and FUN! She was a talented violinist. She lived life to the fullest, always. She loved learning new things and helping others. She was a dear friend and inspiration to me. I miss her so much already.
I am so grateful to have had the gift of LAURA in my life.
Sending many hugs to Charles , Becky & all the family. You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all many blessings always.
Casey Derieux
Getting to see and play with Laura was one of my favorite parts of going to rehearsal every week. She helped me find so many opportunities for playing outside of rehearsal too, and even lended me a viola so that I could play it again since I don’t currently own one myself. Her kind spirit will be so dearly missed by all of us in the NSO. To her family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Laura was loved by so many, and we shall carry her memory with us forever.
Rosie Trousdale
Laura was the one who answered the phone when I was looking for a place to play my violin again. She invited me to a rehearsal of the NSO and she met me with exuberance when I arrived. She became a close friend through playing music in her small groups and sharing meals and fun together. She will be missed. Laura! You were one of a kind!
Jane getchell
Wherever you are Laura, I hope you are happily playing your violin. That’s how I will always picture you. And to Charles, quietly listening in the background, thank you for your years of care and support.
I wish you peace and comfort.
Cathy Raphael
Laura was a delightful person – full of smiles and good things! In her previous illness, we ran into her playing beautiful piano music at the Wilmington Veterans Hospital for anyone who needed cheering up! Her main notariety, however, at the Newark Symphony was finding second hand musical instruments for anyone who needed one – and she delighted in refurbishing and presenting them. Her lovely smile will be seriously missed by her Orchestra friends and their audience!
Vicki
Laura was such a warm and welcoming presence when I first joined the NSO. I didn’t know very many people in the begining so I appreciate how she went out of her way to chat with me during the breaks – it went a long way in making me feel more at home in a new group.
Cathy Raphael
Laura was a shining light to everyone who met her – and I will never forget that smile!