Edith Elizabeth (Dempsey) Gross

Edith Elizabeth Gross, 61, of Orrstown PA left her family on November 12, 2024 to prepare their future home, alongside her late parents, Ralph and Phyllis Dempsey. 

Edie graduated from Brookville Area High School in 1981. She proudly twirled her baton as a Majorette in the Mini Zulu's and throughout her high school career. She was lovingly raised alongside her siblings, Richard Dempsey and Darlene Gorske, who continue to carry her memory with them. 

After graduation, she moved to Okinawa, Japan in 1983 and started her family there. Following her time as an Air Force spouse, the family moved to the Mechanicsburg area in 1987, where she began her career as a Contract Specialist with NavSup WWS. Edie launched a successful career there, spending over 30 years of her life supporting the Navy as a civilian while also obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Logistics from LaSalle University. She greatly enjoyed traveling to visit and support various Naval bases and ships across the country. 

Edie participated in a volleyball league for several years, quitting only due to an elbow injury. In addition to her career and hobbies, she embraced the role of the ultimate soccer mom, consistently supporting her four children; Kim, Jess, James, and Katie. Her unwavering and unconditional love lives on in her children, shaping them into the compassionate, strong, and resilient individuals they are today. Her legacy of love, support, and dedication continues to inspire them as they navigate their own lives. 

Meeting her husband, Brian, at the turn of the century, Edie embarked on a new life adventure extending her family with two more sons; Zach and Nate. Together, Brian and Edie lovingly created a legacy in their farm, a place for family and friends to come together. As their children grew and began new chapters of their own lives, the cows, chickens, horses, and llamas became their new "children," filling the farm with life and joy. One of the greatest highlights of Edie’s life was seeing her ten grandchildren enjoying time on the farm, a place where they could create their own cherished memories. 

Her presence will always be missed in her chair at the table, the heart of the family gathering place. An open house celebration of Edie's life will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 12:30-3:30 PM at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor Edie’s memory by sharing a special moment with a loved one.