Roxana "Jerri" Francine Goreham

March 6, 1938 - July 13, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roxana "Jerri" Goreham, age 87, who peacefully left us on July 13, 2025.

She was born on March 6, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Walter and Marjorie Pajerski. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1956 and graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri.

Jerri met the love of her life, William Goreham, when they were both 16 years old in high school in 1954. Their remarkable love story spanned an extraordinary 70 years together - 5 years of courtship followed by 65 years of marriage when they wed on December 19, 1959. In today's world, such enduring love is increasingly rare, and their relationship stands as a true testament to the power of deep, lasting commitment and devotion. Together they built a beautiful life, moving from Des Moines to La Jolla, California in 1969 where they established deep roots in their community for over 55 years.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who brought warmth and joy to everyone around her. Jerri was the loving mother of Nicole D'Anne Aldrian and Desiree Anne Henry, and cherished mother-in-law to Steve Aldrian and Leland Henry. Known as “Gigi” – she was truly blessed to be the grandmother of twins, Tyler and Trevor Aldrian.

Throughout her life, Jerri had a passion for family, gardening, cooking, entertaining, and traveling. She was a phenomenal cook who made everything from scratch, and her love for family was evident in every meal she prepared and every gathering she hosted. She served as Co-President of the La Jolla Cotillion Club and was known for her gracious hospitality and her beautiful garden. Jerri found joy in crafting custom flower arrangements and loved decorating her house for every season, especially with beautiful fresh cut flowers. She loved watching the birds from her kitchen window and was also a devoted dog lover who absolutely adored and spoiled her Old English Sheepdogs.

Jerri was preceded in death by her father Walter Pajerski, mother Marjorie Pajerski, stepmother Marcie Pajerski, daughter Nicole D'Anne Aldrian and her grandson Trevor Aldrian. She is survived by her beloved husband William Barns Goreham, her daughter Desiree Anne Henry and sons-in-law Leland Henry and Steve Aldrian, and grandson Tyler Barns Aldrian as well as her half-sisters Janine and Karen Evans of Salt Lake City, Utah.

A funeral service for Roxana will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Diego Safari Park at https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/.

Jerri will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her warmth, creativity, and love of family will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.