Rossie Mae (Cox) Gemma

Rossie Mae (Cox) Gemma

March 2, 1944 – April 28, 2026

Rossie Mae (Cox) Gemma, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 82 years old.

Rossie was born in Portland, Oregon on March 2, 1944, to Everett Lee Cox and Mary (Amato) Cox. She was raised in Southeast Portland alongside her older sister, Sarah. Rossie graduated from Cleveland High School in 1962, where she was active in the arts and a proud member of Cleveland’s Rally Squad. It was there she met her husband of 47 years, Dan Gemma. Rossie and Dan were married in 1964 in Portland and later divorced but remained friends. They were blessed with three children: Jill Marie, who died at birth, Patrick, and Kenneth. Family was the center of Rossie’s life, and she devoted herself to supporting and caring for those she loved.

For more than four decades, Rossie worked in dental offices throughout the Portland area. In 1992, she earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene from Mt. Hood Community College, a reflection of her dedication and strong work ethic.

Rossie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sarah; and her daughter, Jill Marie. She is survived by her sons and their families: Patrick (Mollie) of Seattle, WA and Kenneth (Robin) of Boring, OR; four grandchildren: Chad, Kelsie (Dylan), Nicholas, and Natalie; and four great-grandchildren.

Rossie will be remembered for her warmth, strength, devotion to family, and the kindness she shared with everyone who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Philip Neri Parish in Southeast Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family warmly welcomes charitable remembrances in Rossie’s honor to the Oregon Humane Society.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.

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