Remembering Karen's mom: Kathryn Rogers passes away at 90 after battle with Alzheimer's disease

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News is remembering a member of our extended family.

Karen Rogers' mother passed away this week at the age of 90 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kathryn Rogers was a mother of 10, a grandmother of 23, and great-grandmother of nine.

Karen said her mom faced her battle with Alzheimer's with dignity and humor.

"Up until the very end, she was compassionate, always helping the others in her assisted living facility. Often whispering, 'These poor people are so old!'" Karen recalled.

It was in February of 2017 when Karen presented a special report on her mother and the struggles of caring for someone with the debilitating disease.

My mom moved in with us after my dad passed away nearly two years ago. We get lots of help from family and friends.

In the report, Karen spoke about the special connection her kids had with her mother:

Karen said that for 90 years her mother "showed us what it means to live by your values."

"She was so tiny, but make no mistake about it, she was the strongest, bravest person I know," Karen said.

6abc's Karen Rogers and her mom, who has Alzheimer's, tour the garden made to honor those affected by the disease.

In the final days, Karen said her mother "had such strength and fortitude."

She added, "We know that she is at peace, whole again, with her memories intact, and she is surely dancing with my father. God bless you mommy. You did God's work every day of your life and now it is time for you to rest."