April 22, 1947 – November 29, 2025

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Michele Maria Cogley (Wemmer). She passed away at her home in Nevada City, CA on November 29th, 2025 at 78 years old.

She moved through the world with curiosity, wonder, and a deep love for family and friends. Funny, creative, passionate, and endlessly strong, she had a spark that lit up every room.

Michele was born on April 22nd, 1947 in North Hollywood, CA to Dorothy Ethel Colson and John Hadley, and adopted by her step-father, Robert Wemmer, at the age of 2. She was raised in San Bruno, CA with her five younger siblings. She graduated from Capuchino High School.

She came of age as a free-spirited hippie, making her own clothes and growing her own food. She was twice married (to John Bigler and Paul Cogley) and raised four children.

She earned a BA in Fine Arts from San Jose State University and worked as a daycare teacher. Later, she earned a teaching credential from San Francisco State University and became a teacher at John Muir Elementary School. An energetic educator who expanded and enriched the hearts and minds of students, she had a special love for geography and earth science, and shared her fascination with the planet and all its wonders.

She lived many years in San Francisco, embracing the city’s diversity and culture. In her later years, she poured her energy into yoga, quilting, watercolor painting, and cheering passionately for her beloved Bay Area sports teams.

In her last year, she returned to Nevada City to be closer to family. Surrounded by love and the serene landscapes she cherished, in her final chapter, she found peace.

She leaves behind a family who adored her, countless friends and students whose lives she touched, and a legacy of courage, creativity, and unwavering heart.

She is survived by her children: Christina Gemignani (Johnny), Azrael Bigler (Mulan), Matthew Cogley (Mina), and Nathaniel Cogley (Wambui); her grandchildren: Brandon Pengelley (Elizabeth), Taylor Gemignani, Jessica Rose, Quett Cogley, Megan Bigler, Quintin Cogley, Chloe Cogley, and Carmen Cogley; and her siblings: Debbie Corona, Barbara Sawyer, Diane Baskett, David Wemmer, and John Wemmer.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 21st, 2025 at 12:00pm at Seaman’s Lodge in Pioneer Park, Nevada City, CA.