Obituary of Mary Ross

Mary Jessie Ross (Ward) October 25, 1921 - December 3, 2014 Mary passed away peacefully at the Briton House, with her great-grandson James holding her hand, on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the age of 93. Mother of Wendy (Wallace) Watson, Lorne (Leona) Ross and Stuart (Linda) Ross. Grandmother of Jennifer (Rob) Durham, Wallace (Sigrun) Watson, Kim (Sam) Aguado, Peter Ross, Terri -Lyn Ross (Nelson Amorim), Doug (Amber) Ross. Great-grandmother of Brittany & James Durham, Wallace & Alexander Watson, Lucas & Liam Amorim, Lily, Thomas & Emilie Ross, Cody & Tyler Covington, Jacob & Sophie Aguado. Predeceased by George Godson (2003), her best friend and companion of 30 years. Mary spent the first 24 years of her life in England, imigrating to Montreal with her young sons Stuart and Lorne shortly after WWII. Wendy-Anne entered the world shortly thereafter. In the early 70's Mary bought a cottage in Venise-en-Quebec and spent her weekends and vacations indulging in her passions of gardening, walking, fishing, cribbage, tea and the chaos of hosting her grandchildren! Mary was a patient and forgiving soul who quickly made many friends at "the lake" which led her to retire to Venise in the mid 80's. Not one to sit idle, Mary added an interest - watercolours - learning to paint the flowers and birds that will now surround her every day. As her grandchildren grew-up and dispersed, Mary revelled in their visits. Always loving, welcoming and receiving them with a warmth far beyond that of the wood-stove that she kept stoked in the centre of the cottage. With the physical challenges associated with time moving so swiftly by, Mary moved to an apartment in Nobleton, Ontario to be closer to family support. Although disappointed at moving away from Venise, Mary frequently expressed the good-fortune she had for the great friends she had made and loved during her time there. With the support of her good friend Tyna, Mary was able to return to Venise for visits in the ensuing summers until declining health no longer allowed her to do so. Mary made many friends in Nobleton and delighted in being able to walk to all the amenities that were nearby. Due to her failing eyesight, she could no longer drive, but the proximity of the bakery, coffee shop and family enabled Mary to maintain the independence she coveted. It was during this time that she developed her close relationship with her great grandson James, collecting him from school, walking with him and playing hide-and-seek in the graveyard - all with declining eyesight! Eager to maintain her independence, Mary moved into a retirement apartment at Briton House as the last of her eyesight was taken from her. Although legally blind, and soon completely blind, Mary's spirit was never diminished. She remained active walking, swimming and exercising with the support of her friends and the staff at her new found home. All the while looking forward to visits from family and friends, Sunday dinners with the Durhams and calling family and friends from Texas to Ottawa to Toronto to Kingston to Cobourg to Florida to, to, to! Never one to worry about herself - nor take pity on herself - Mary was always mindful of others and the news of their lives. Mary was the epitome of grace and kindness. An original woman with a warm soul that is missed and lives on through those she touched. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Briton House who have taken such good care of Mary over the last 7 years. In honour of Mary's memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca). As Mary wished, a funeral will not be held; rather a celebration of her life will be held in the Spring. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com