Dr. Gemma "Gem" Troy was born in 1970 to Arlen (1938 -2004) and Cynthia Troy (1942 - 2013) in Washington, DC. She has an older brother, Timothy. Arlen was career military and moved every few years when Gem and Tim were children. The family finally settled in Spector, Wisconsin when Gemma was in high school and Tim went off to medical school.

In school, Gem excelled at Science (particularly biology) and English and was a contributor to both the school newspaper and the yearly arts publication. After graduation she followed her father into the military, joining The Army. During the Gulf War she began working in military intelligence.

When she came out of the military she decided to focus her studies on biology, eventually, after almost a decade of study she got her doctorate. After several years working at different schools, focusing on research, she joined her brother working for EverSand BioLabs. She enjoyed her work there, particularly her work with dogs, developing medications to better their life.

Gem loved word games and puzzles, live music and travel. She was an excellent cook and absolutely loved playing softball. She was an amatuer photographer, but sadly, much of her work was lost in the accident.

She left us tragically and suddenly in December of 2022.

She is survived only by her brother, who still works for EverSand and honors her memory every day by continuing to develop medications and treatments to prolong life.

Of the tragic house fire that took Gem, Tim says, "It's a reminder to us all that life is far too short and the brightest lights can be snuffed out. Gem always said, "Be the best person you can be before it's too late. It won't be easy but it will make the world better. I am proud to be her brother."