Rosanne Gordon

Kind, optimistic, poised and gorgeous are adjectives often used by friends and family to describe her. At 15, she met Robert Gordon, a law student at the University of Utah. Five years later, that relationship blossomed into a marriage that lasted 70 Years. It was an exceptional union built on a deep and enduring love. While at the University of Utah, Rosanne majored in psychology and early childhood education. She not only excelled at her studies, she was named University of Utah Homecoming Queen. After graduation, she was instrumental in starting a new nursery school at the Salt Lake Jewish Community Center. Later, she would continue her interest in education and families as president of The Neighborhood House, a foundation dedicated to helping improve the lives of disadvantaged families. As a young woman, Rosanne began modeling for the ZCMI department store. She appeared in many newspaper features and fashion shows. Modeling and fashion were a passion for her and she enjoyed a long career–first with ZCMI and then ultimately heading up the fashion department at Auerbachs department store. In 1966, she was the pride of her family, friends, community and the state of Utah when she was named “Mrs. Utah.” Later in her fashion career, she produced and starred in her own weekly segment on fashion for KSL TV. She was also a consultant to the KSL on-air personalities on wardrobe, hair and make-up. Despite her busy fashion career, Rosanne always put her family first and raised three children who were always aware of how special their mother was. She was a “super mom” while never ceasing to work for the community. In addition to Neighborhood House, she held committee chair roles in Junior League and served as president of Temple B’nai Israel Sisterhood. She was a tireless caregiver for her husband after he suffered a debilitating heart attack. In an instant, she became the one to lead the family. For 28 years, she worked without complaint to help Bob lead as full and happy a life as possible. Never one to use age as an excuse not to do something, she adopted a puppy when she was 87 and learned to play mahjong at 90. She enjoyed being a long-time member of Town Club and will be greatly missed by her wide circle of friends in both Salt Lake and Palm Springs.

Survivors include her children: Steve Gordon (Jaime Wolffe), Cindy Gordon (Larry Simpson) and Gary Gordon. Grandchildren Evanne, Carly and Eli Gordon; Stefani and Rob Ericson; and Rachael and Halley Gordon.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Utah Orthopedic Center (590 Wakara Way, 84108) or the Neighborhood House.

The family will hold a memorial service at Wasatch Lawn Memorial, 3401 S. Highland Dr., on Wednesday August 16, 2023 at 11 am.