Rosemarie I. (Clarkson) Gomez

It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of Rosemarie Irene (Clarkson) Gomez, age 100, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, of East Chicago, Indiana.

Born on January 14, 1926, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Rosemarie was the eldest child of Gordon Ellsworth Clarkson and Emilia Hernandez. She immigrated to the United States at the age of six with her parents.

She attended East Chicago Public Schools as a young girl and was very engaged in school. In 1939 she was selected to portray the Statue of Liberty during the Union Benefica Mexicana’s (UBM) Mexican Independence Day parade. The following year she became the youngest queen “Reina de las Fiestas Patrias” at the age of fourteen for the UBM, a social civic group in East Chicago. She served as the Queen for five years during World War II.

During WW II her family endured economic hardship, requiring Rosemarie to leave school and began working at Inland Steel’s #3 Coke Plant. Although Rosemarie had to take this short pause, she was a bright student and proudly graduated from East Chicago Washington High School in 1947. She worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. where she ultimately meets her husband Jesse Gomez on the train to Chicago. Following a three-year courtship, they wed on her birthday in 1950 and remained married for 29 years, until Jesse’s untimely death. Together they created a loving home in East Chicago where they raised four children. She was involved in her children’s school activities as well as performing volunteer work in the community.

In 1959 Rosemarie became a U.S. citizen, officially casting her first vote in 1963 for her husband Jesse, as City Councilman for East Chicago’s 6th District, a race which he ultimately won. While raising her now school-aged children, Rosemarie worked for Marshall Field’s (1960-62) and as a clerk for an insurance company (1966-68). Later she would work for the East Chicago Public School system (1968-79) as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor. With Jesse’s abrupt passing in 1979, she embraces the opportunity for civic political contribution and is elected to fulfill his seat on the City Council for the remainder of his term. This appointment as Councilwoman designated Rosemarie as the first Hispanic female to serve on the East Chicago City Council and first Hispanic female to serve in any political office in the City of East Chicago.

Rosemarie was an active member of many local civic organizations where she received several personal achievements and awards. She took great pride in participating in the ‘Christmas Around the World’ exhibit at the East Chicago Main Library, volunteering to decorate the Mexico themed tree from 1995 until 2015. She was honored as the Mexican Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal in 2016.

In her later years she enjoyed the gift of grandchildren. She established her home as a haven of fun and imagination for her grandkids, fostering play that has inspired life-long interests and future endeavors. During the holidays she would call to remind them when to watch the holiday parades, or view the Charlie Brown, Frosty or Rudolph specials. She continued to be in their lives as they grew up with a phone call and never forgetting a birthday or Christmas card.

In 2025, the 3800 block of Grand Blvd. was given the honorary name of “Jesse and Rosemarie Gomez Way” where she was present and surrounded by numerous family members, elected officials, friends and neighbors.

Of all her achievements and passions, Rosemarie will be remembered as the best mother, grandmother, aunt/tia, and godmother. She was our strong matriarch, who never missed a chance to make memories. No indulgence was too silly or trivial or too great for her loved ones. Whether it was teaching her grandkids new board and card games, enjoying puzzles, going to the library’s summer programs or picking them up from games and practices, she made sure that each day was surrounded by laughter and love.

Though she will be deeply missed, Rosemarie’s love and legacy will live on in her family who will continue to honor her memory, her kindness, her warmth, and her boundless love that she so generously shared.

Rosemarie joins her parents, her baby sister Alice Clarkson, her brother Edward Clarkson, her beloved husband Jesse, her eldest son Armando Rene Gomez, her grandson Michael Robert Gomez, and granddaughter Amera Abu-Hakmeh in Heaven.

She is survived by sisters – Louise (late Frank) Casillas and Virginia (late Richard) Crary. Three children: Adrienne Gomez, Jesse Edward Gomez, Roseanne (Raul) Cabrera, sister-in-law Rebecca Clarkson and daughter-in-law Margaret Gomez. Grandchildren: Raul O. Cabrera II, Ryan A. (Anais) Cabrera, Armando (Vicky) Gomez, Leilani (Eden) Peña, Rene A. Cabrera and Racquel A. Cabrera. Great Grandchildren: Zachary Barbosa, Landen Cabrera, Nolan Cabrera, Amaya Gomez, Giovanna Gomez, Rocco A. Cabrera, Jesus E. Peña, Armando Peña, Benicio Cabrera, Leilani Peña, and Avelina Cabrera. Numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Rosemarie will be remembered by friends and family as someone who effortlessly touched many lives and who was always willing to make a difference without need for recognition. And so, we will remember Rosemarie and honor her in spirit and in peace. We send you on with Amor Eternal (Eternal Love).

Rosemarie was an active member of the following civic organizations:

Club Gemini

UBM Women’s Auxiliary

Operation HOPE

ALSE-Roberto Clemente Board

East Chicago Women’s Commission

Lake County Economic Opportunity Council

East Chicago Seniors & Children’s Program

Katherine House Boys & Girls Club

American GI Forum Harold Gomez Chapter

American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Post 369

St. Patrick Parish Board of Directors

Achievements and Awards received:

First Hispanic female to serve on the East Chicago City Common Council.

Lake County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc – Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.

Franklin Elementary School – Social Workers High Recommendation Achievement Award.

Purdue University Calumet Extension Federal Food & Nutrition Service – Nutrition Assistant.

Women in Politics Recipient – Awarded by E.C. Women’s Commission.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Church, 3802 Grand Blvd., East Chicago, IN with Rev. Selvaraj Selladurai officiating.  Burial to follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Gary, IN.  Visitation at FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 24, 2026 and from 9:30 am to 10:00 am at the Church on Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosemarie’s honor to any of the following organizations:

Hospice of NW Indiana

Bishop Noll Institute

School City of East Chicago

East Chicago Public Library

Union Benefica Mexicana

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