Brunswick - Kathleen A. McBain Rogers, 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at her home in Brunswick, surrounded by her loving family, loyal guardian German shepherd and dedicated aides, following a courageous battle with ALS.
Born in Troy to the late Donald J. and Virginia Margaret Kelly McBain, Kathy was raised in Brunswick, where she developed a lifelong bond with animals that earned her the nickname "Dr. Doolittle." A 1973 graduate of Catholic Central High School, Kathy met the love of her life, Daniel Rogers, in 1982; they shared 41 devoted years of marriage.
Kathy’s professional life was defined by her passion for animals. After working at Gardenway, she found her calling as a veterinary clinic manager and a certified dog trainer. She was the proud owner and operator of Hausdaka Kennels in Brunswick, NY. Kathy loved pairing the right dog with the right person and family. Many of Kathy’s clients started as customers and became life long friends. She collaborated with police departments, schools, and state agencies, dedicating herself to training service and therapy dogs. In 2019, she was instrumental in the launch of the therapy dog program for the Albany Police Department. She retired from Bloomingrove Veterinary Clinic in 2024.
An enthusiastic sports fan, Kathy was a proud member of the "Bills Mafia" and a loyal supporter of the Siena Saints. Dan and Kathy rarely missed a game and were often caught on the “kiss cam”
Kathy’s love for her family and community was boundless. She was a role model to her daughters, a devoted wife, a supportive sister, friend and a "Nanna" who loved to break the rules. She was available at any hour, and often the first call from her many nieces and nephews who needed her.. Following her diagnosis in 2024, Kathy chose to live life to the fullest—dancing, laughing, and teaching those around her that every day is a gift. She was known for her impeccable timing (late for everything), her thoughtful presents, and her ability to make everyone laugh until the early hours of the morning. You never knew what time she was arriving, but you could be sure of one thing: she had the best gift and was bringing the party!
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three daughters, Kate (Marco) Mancini of Saratoga Springs, Danielle (Erik) Kohler of Rexford, and Kelly (Wenger) Rehlen of Castleton, VT; her siblings, Donna (Jeff) Adams, Donald "Jay" (Jacqueline) McBain, Laurie McBain, Caroline (Robert) Busch, and Scott (Stacy) McBain; her grandchildren, Rosalie, Wyatt, and Alice Kohler; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank you to her medical aides: Jennifer, Lisa, Megan, Brittany, and Sheena. Who’s love, compassion and willingness to take a wild ride with Kathy extended the quality of her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at Sacred Heart Church, 475 Pawling Avenue, Troy, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church.
Help support Kathy’s fight to end this deplorable disease. KICK ALS!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Kathy’s memory to Hop On A Cure https://secure.hoponacure.org/forms/website-donation-form (760 Old Roswell Road, Suite 398, Roswell, GA 30076) Or the ALS Regional Center at St. Peter's (19 Warehouse Row, Albany, NY 12205). https://www.givetostpeters.org/donate/
We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Kathleen A. (McBain) Rogers, please visit our Tree Store.