Longtime Hoopa Valley Tribal Member Roxanne Burgess Dies at 82

Burgess was a dedicated educator, community leader, and lifelong Presbyterian church member.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Roxanne 'Roxy' Burgess, a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 82. Burgess had a long and eventful life, working as an educator, grant writer, and community leader in California. She was known for her dedication to the Presbyterian church and her love of adventure, from NASCAR races to volcano tours in Hawaii.

Why it matters

Burgess's life story reflects the experiences of many Native Americans in California over the past several decades, including the movement of tribal members between rural and urban areas, the importance of education and community involvement, and the enduring role of the church. Her passing is a loss for the Hoopa Valley Tribe and the broader communities she served.

The details

Burgess was born in San Francisco in 1943 but moved to Hoopa as a child when her father retired. She graduated from Hoopa Valley High School in 1961 and went on to become a teacher's assistant at Hoopa Elementary School. Burgess later earned her teaching degree from Humboldt State University and worked as the ITEP Student Services Coordinator. She also served as the Liaison to the American Indian Community for Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley while living in Southern California. Burgess was known for her dedication to the Presbyterian church, serving on national boards and committees and visiting churches across Indian Country.

  • Roxanne 'Roxy' Burgess was born on April 5, 1943 in San Francisco.
  • Burgess graduated from Hoopa Valley High School in 1961.
  • Burgess earned her teaching degree from Humboldt State University in 1969.
  • Burgess worked as the Liaison to the American Indian Community for Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Burgess passed away on February 14, 2026 at the age of 82.

The players

Roxanne 'Roxy' Burgess

A member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe who had a long career as an educator, community leader, and lifelong Presbyterian church member.

Edward 'Fuff' Marshall

Burgess's father, who retired from Central Electric and moved the family back to Hoopa.

Virginia 'Gin' Marshall

Burgess's mother.

Kathleen Bridgeland

Burgess's lifelong friend who worked as a social worker at the Southern California Indian Center, Inc.

Michael Burgess

Burgess's third husband, with whom she had two children.

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What they’re saying

“Roxy was known for her dedication to work and made many friends among coworkers, including her good friend Mallory Marsh, who sent Rox a monthly box of See's chocolates until her last days.”

— Mallory Marsh, Coworker (Lost Coast Outpost)

What’s next

A memorial gathering and meal will be held at the Hoopa Fire Department Training Room on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. to celebrate Burgess's life.

The takeaway

Burgess's life exemplified the resilience and community involvement of many Native Americans in California over the past several decades. Her dedication to education, the Presbyterian church, and public service left a lasting impact on the Hoopa Valley Tribe and the broader communities she served.