Holli Ross

Holli Ross (Wasser), 63, of Maplewood died May 9, 2020. Born in Manhattan, she was raised in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., and moved to Maplewood 30 years ago.

Ms. Ross was a professional jazz musician, vocalist, and lyricist; music educator at Montclair State University and Hofstra University; vocal coach; and a specialist treating voice disorders.

She received her bachelor’s degree in bassoon performance from Mannes College of Music in New York and her master’s degree in speech language pathology from Kean University in Union.

She performed at festivals and venues across Japan, Europe, and the United States, including the Monterey and Newport jazz festivals. She recorded nine albums and CDs, and performed with numerous jazz vocal ensembles, including String of Pearls, Mad Romance, Group 5, and the Royal Bopsters Project.

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She is survived by her husband, Daniel Gibbons; her daughter, Hannah Gibbons; her mother, Solna Kane Wasser; two brothers, Ronald and Edward Wasser; and a sister, Debra Wasser Kaplan.

Arrangements were handled by The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home, Maplewood. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holli Ross Fund for Jazz Studies, c/o Montclair State University Foundation, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, N.J. 07043 (montclairconnect.org/make-a-gift).