Gwendolyn Rogers, affectionately known as "Ma" transitioned peacefully on November 3, 2024, surrounded by friends and family at the tender age of 76.

Born on April 7, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, Ma was the beloved daughter of Darthora McMillan and Robert Jennings. She was raised in the heart of Boston, where she attended the Edward Everett Elementary School and later graduated from Dorchester High School. Ma's early life in Boston shaped her into the remarkable woman she would become, instilling in her a deep sense of community, resilience, and warmth.

After high school, Ma devoted her life to serving others, ultimately becoming a social worker in the Department of Public Welfare for the State of Massachusetts. Over the years, she helped countless individuals and families navigate challenging times, offering not only her professional expertise but also her compassionate heart. To her clients, Ma was more than just a social worker; she was a trusted advocate, a source of encouragement, and a voice of empathy. Her career was a reflection of her deep commitment to justice, kindness, and the well-being of others. She became a respected figure in her community, admired by her colleagues and cherished by those she helped.

Outside of work, Ma was known for her unwavering love for family and friends. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the inviting aroma of her home-cooked meals! She loved to cook, and her family cookouts became treasured gatherings for those who knew her. Neighbors, friends, and family alike would come together to share food, stories, and laughter under her roof. Her cooking was a symbol of her love and generosity, each dish prepared with care and shared with those close to her heart. Ma's cookouts were more than meals; they were joyful celebrations of togetherness and community.

In her later years, Ma faced several health challenges, including over 15+ years of hemodialysis treatments, as well as asthma and congestive heart failure. Despite these struggles, she showed remarkable strength and resilience, never allowing her spirit to be diminished. Her family and friends marveled at her unwavering strength, determination and courage in the face of adversity. Even as her health declined, Ma's strength never faltered, and her desire to go home and be with her loved ones remained steadfast. She was a woman of incredible grit, and her perseverance inspired everyone around her.

Ma is survived by her five children, who were the light of her life; her sons, David J Ware and his wife Yvette, of Hyde Park, MA; Martin B Wilson (Stephanie Davis) of Randolph, MA; Joshua A Ware of Randolph, MA; Dashawn K Ware of Holbrook, MA; and her daughter Amanda Ware of Mattapan, MA. She also leaves behind several grandchildren; Brenna A Niles of Dorchester, MA; Darius Davis of Raynham, MA; Ryan A Perry of Boston, MA; Martin Wilson Jr of Woonsocket, RI; Martia K Wilson of Boston, MA; David J Ware II (DJ) of Hyde Park, MA; and Devin J Ware of Hyde Park, MA. Ma is survived by her only brother, Robert Jennings Bennett of Baton Rouge, LA; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply and who will carry forward her legacy. Her family was her greatest source of pride, and she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt. Her loved ones will remember her as a woman who gave selflessly, loved fiercely, and fought courageously through life's challenges.

As we say goodbye to Ma, we celebrate the life of a woman who exemplified grace, resilience, and kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Ma touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed, but her spirit will endure in the countless lives she impacted. Rest in peace, Ma. You will forever be in our hearts.