Gemma Waldron Obituary

Gemma Greene Waldron

01 Oct 56

08 Jun 14

Gemma Greene Waldron, passed away peacefully in Reno, Nevada. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack, sister, Shelly Greene, brother and wife, Howard and Venuza Greene, nephews Antonio, Dante, Jonathan and niece Sierra and a host of friends. Gemma was predeceased by her grandmother, Hilda Caines and mother, Violet Greene.

Born in New York on October 1, 1956, Gemma moved to the Los Angeles Area early in her life where she attended schools culminating at Fairfax High. She completed her undergraduate work at USC, becoming a member of the AKA sorority, and went on to complete her graduate work at Boston University. Gemma worked in California prior to passing the Bar in both Washington State and Nevada.

She moved to Reno in 1990 and worked at the PUC for several years prior to spending many years as a Deputy District Attorney for Washoe County. After retiring from the county she opened her own practice and for several years assisted low income clients until health issues forced her to close her office. She was one of the founding members of the Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society and served as president from 1996 to 1998.

Gemma manifested her two greatest life intentions: to marry the man of her dreams and to become a testament in the world by speaking her words, seeing and saying them clearly, and trusting the life process. She openly provided her service and support to Northern Nevada and was well-known for her wit, humor and sense of justice. Many people were touched by her presence from her direct support, but also many times by her behind the scenes work and support that many were never aware of. For years a tireless worker, Gemma shared her skills, knowledge and compassion in the community and will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 28 Jun 2014 11:00 AM at the Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Dr., Sparks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Jun. 22, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Gemma Waldron

12 Entries

Courtney Thomas

July 19, 2014

Aunt Dot (I almost never called her Aunt Gemma) meant a lot to me and I was happy to have spoken with her in March 2014. She was my godmother and one the smartest, kindest and supportive people that I knew. She was loving and loved me my entire life from the moment my parents asked her to be a guiding light in my life. (My mom and Dot went to high school and part of college together. They also were sorority sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) Aunt Dot was an inspiration to me and I ran a few half marathons and a marathon with her name on my jersey for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the end of the day, all that matters is that I really loved her and I'll miss her terribly.

Gordon Jackson

July 6, 2014

Gemma and I dated during our high school days at Fairfax High. I had an opportunity to see her again and meet her husband at our 30th high school reunion. They both seemed very happy and Gemma was glowing. It's so clear to me that she was loved by so many, which is not a surprise at all. Even 40 years later, I remember what a good person she was through and through. Rest in peace, Gemma, and hopefully, Jack, your sadness can be eased a bit by warm and wonderful memories.

Theresa Thum

June 29, 2014

I enjoyed working with Gemma when she came into Sparks Justice Court. She was always happy and a light in my life even when she wasn't feeling well. My prayers to Jack, her babies (dogs)and family. I was blessed to know her in this life and I'm sure that she's one of the brightest lights in heaven. Rest in peace.

Kevyn Miller

June 28, 2014

I remember Gemma as one of the most happy people I've ever met. She lived life to the fullest and was always upbeat even when she wasn't feeling well. She loved giving parties and I always will remember her Christmas parties in particular; her house was immaculately decorated and she beamed at having all the guests and you could tell how much she enjoyed everyone. Rest in peace my friend.

Dianne Drinkwater

June 27, 2014

Years ago I saw Christmas tree ornaments shaped like wiener-dogs and HAD to buy them for Gemma. She was so tickled and I remember how happy that made her. Glad I could make her smile one day to pay her back for the many times she made me do so. I know she is in a better place, free of pain, but she is missed down here. Prayers to her family during this difficult time.

Paula Davis

June 24, 2014

The short time I knew Gemma she was a very sweet women who loved her husband and dogs.She talked to me often about her mom in whom she admired and her husband whom she said was her best friend. She talked to me about her life growing up and her passion for law and how she wanted to give back to the community. She enjoyed camping and road trips with her family as she had told me they had taken,and to look in her eyes as she spoke I could see how happy she was and how much she loved her family. Mrs Gemma you will be missed by many, but now It's time my friend to take your rest in the arms of Jesus!

Valerie Sumersille-Hahn

June 24, 2014

I will miss Gemma's smile and laugh the last 20 years I have known her. She always had BIG plans and ideas that were encouraging with a never stop attitude. Prayers to her loved ones and pups

Erica Jones

June 23, 2014

The loss of Gemma is felt throughout all of our lives and our hearts. Gemma's kind and generous spirit is undeniable. I thank God for bringing her into my life and for bringing Jack into hers. Gemma, I thank you for all the advice, the laughter, the friendship and the parties. You were the BEST party giver! I will pray for her sweet husband, her pups and for her entire family.

June 23, 2014

I worked for several years with Gemma in the DA's Office and she was one of the most sincere individuals I had the pleasure of working with. She will be greatly missed. Nell

Diana Knight

June 23, 2014

I worked with Gemma for several years in the District Attorney's office. When she was prosecuting drunk driving cases, she always wore me out by insisting that I locate previous DUI convictions (and most of the time, there were!) This was a testament to her to her tenacity in always doing the best job she could. She never failed to thank me when I did find those convictions and she won her cases. Rest in peace, Gemma, I will truly miss you.

Marjorie Bellande Smith

June 22, 2014

My prayers go out to Gemma's loving husband, Jack, her family and friends. She is with a loving God now. Amen to that.

Sandra Adamson

June 22, 2014

Blessings and Love to Gemma and to her family.

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