Romina Richmond Gordon

Romina “Romi” Richmond Gordon, 73, of Seattle, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend whose extraordinary kindness, independent spirit, understated humor and love of adventure enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know her, died Thursday, October 15, 2026, following an extended battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Romi graduated in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in art history from UCLA. Following a celebratory post-graduation Eurail tour of Western Europe with her future husband, Joel, Romi couldn't bear to return to the travails of their previously long-distance romance. So she put her further education plans on hold and moved to the Bay Area to be with Joel while he attended law school. While there, Romi earned a teaching credential from Cal State University Hayward, was a substitute teacher in the Oakland public schools, and worked at the Berkeley REI. In 1979 Romi was accepted into a Master’s Degree program at the University of Washington in art history, so the couple moved to Seattle. They have been there ever since.

Together for 51 years, including 46½ years of marriage, the couple were inseparable partners. Down-to-earth and easygoing, they shared a passion for travel, the outdoors, music and exploring the world together.

Enthusiastic backpackers and adventurers, Romi and Joel climbed Washington's rugged Mount Rainier and rafted the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Their memorable European travels led them to Claviers, a picturesque village in Provence in the south of France, where they spent extended annual family holidays, eventually purchased a second home and established lifelong friendships. Indeed, nowhere were they happier than in Claviers, which became an important and cherished part of their lives.

An avid gardener, Romi obtained a “Master Gardener” certification and one of her greatest pleasures was spending time in her cherished gardens both in Seattle and Claviers. Romi had a deep appreciation for beauty, nature and the simple pleasures of everyday life. She was also fiercely independent, remarkably capable and someone who believed in action rather than endless discussion. She had little patience for empty promises or unnecessary deliberation, preferring to tackle life's challenges directly and without fanfare.

Romi was a dedicated community volunteer and a lifelong runner. She was very active in PTSA activities in all her kids’ schools, eventually taking over and breaking all records for the schools’ “MOVATHON” fund raiser. She served on the Advisory Counsel for the Queen Anne Community Center for more than 20 years. She became an umpire for the Queen Anne Little League, at the time the only woman to do so. She was awarded “Umpire of the Year” by her peers soon thereafter.

Yet beneath that determination was an exceptionally gentle and sensitive soul. Sweet, thoughtful, endlessly caring and wise, Romi possessed an extraordinary capacity for friendship and a heart of uncommon generosity. Her wide circle of devoted friends reflected the warmth she brought to her relationships. She was known for her dry, low-key sense of humor, her unpretentious manner and her ability to make those around her feel valued and appreciated.

As a mother to her sons, Spencer and Clay, Romi was resolutely attentive and protective, sometimes pre-anticipating their needs and smoothing their path. Her devotion was unwavering, and her instinct was always to make life easier for those she loved.

That protective nature began early in life. Growing up in a sometimes difficult and unsettled home, Romi became a source of stability and reassurance for her younger brother Ray, looking out for him and standing by him when he needed her most. Their bond remained strong throughout their lives.

Romi faced the devastating challenges of ALS with the same courage, fortitude and sense of devotion that characterized her life. Even as the disease progressively diminished her physical abilities, she remained deeply concerned about the comfort and feelings of others, determined that no one should feel awkward or uneasy in her presence. Her characteristic kindness and consideration endured throughout her illness.

Romi is survived by her loving husband, Joel Gordon; their sons, Spencer and Clay Gordon; Spencer’s spouse Ellie Haigh; brother Ray Richmond and sister-in-law Jill Holden; and a wide circle of friends in Seattle, France and beyond. (She was predeceased by brothers Marcus Richmond and Len Richmond.)

She will be remembered for her adventurous nature, her loyalty to family and friends, her remarkable generosity of heart and her conviction that life was meant to be lived rather than merely contemplated.

A celebration of Romi’s life will be held on December 13 at 1PM at the Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 1st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119. In remembrance of Romi’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The ALS Association Evergreen Chapter www.alsa-ec.org.