Obituary of Layla Jean Elaine Rodgerson

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The family of Layla Jean Elaine Rodgerson wishes to express their love for her and profound grief at her passing. She was born in Fredericton on September 10, 2009 and died on May 5, 2024.

She is survived by her mother, Becky Arseneault (Corey Waugh); and her father, Douglas Rodgerson (Kammie Grabowski). She will be deeply missed also by grandparents, Albert and Virginia Arseneault, Valerie MacEachern, Lee and Brenda Munn; brother, Cohen Rodgerson; sister, Iris Whidden; siblings, Brianna, Ethan and Brooke Waugh and Cain Grabowski. Loved also by uncles, John Arseneault and Matthew Munn; aunts, Jeannie Arseneault (Andre), Margo Macrae (Kenny), Jennifer Livingston (William), Alana Campbell and Michaela Vance (Mitchell); great aunts, numerous cousins, and many best friends that are like family.

A grade nine student at Leo Hayes High School, Layla was a passionate advocate for indigenous rights. She adored her family and friends and was a loving “mama” to her kitty, Bootsies.

She was a livewire who danced and ran through life. Her laughter came straight from the depths of her soul; hearing it we all felt the deep power of her spirit. She was fierce and funny and sassy and silly and – yes -- sometimes a bit salty, and we loved her for it, we loved her for all of the facets that made her our Layla.

When Layla was “in,” she was one hundred percent in. Never content to stroll along the margins, she jumped into life the way she jumped into the Fundy tidal basin when she was 11 years old: up to her waist in mud, waving her arms, laughing joyously as she leaped about, waving to those left behind. She was wondrous.

We wish to thank Fredericton’s emergency responders. Thank you also to the family and friends who have supported us as we try to cope with the loss of our precious Layla.

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 6-9 pm. A Celebration of Layla's Life will be held on from York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod memorial Chapel on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 2 pm. Interment will be in Nackawic Cemetery, at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances can be made to the SPCA. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

“I will miss you until clouds no longer

                            Grace the sky . . . until

             Birds no longer have

             A song . . . until the

                            Grass no longer grows

                            On earth . . . until my

                                           Feet no longer carry

                                                         Me . . . and until I take

                                                                        My last breath.

                                           I will miss you until I’m with you.”

                                                                                (Dr. Joanne Cacciatore)