KATHLEEN JEAN ROSS

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KATHLEEN JEAN ROSS Peacefully, on Thanksgiving Day, October 10, 2011, at the age of 88. Jean Ross died at the Village of Humber Heights, in Toronto. Kathleen Jean Walton was born in Calcutta, India, in April 1923 and moved to England with her younger brother when she was nine. Her parents, Gladys Granger Walton and Geoffrey Frederick Walton followed and the family settled in Cottesmore, Rutland, where her father, an engineer, oversaw the building of the aerodome in preparation for the Second World War. There she met the Late Duncan Donald Ross, a navigator in RCAF. They married in January 1943 and moved to Montreal, Canada, after the war. A number of job-related transfers later, Jean, Don and their family settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where Jean lived until she moved to Toronto in 2010. Jean and Don enjoyed 61 years of happily married life, until Don's death in 2004. They were also best friends, and enjoyed travelling, downhill skiing and tennis together. Jean's abiding interest was always her family. After her three children grew up and left home, she became a dedicated grandmother to her grandchildren. She also found time to continue the education that the war had interrupted and while in her 50's, earned a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg and an M.A. from the University of Manitoba. Jean is survived by three children, Susan Rawle (John), Geoffrey Ross (Debbie) and James Ross (Vicki); six grandchildren, Adrian (Fiona), Mike (Lindie), Geoff, Donnie (Jen), Colin and Stephanie; and five great-grand-children, Carson, Dyllan, Lucas, Anna and Emma. Jean and Don shared with each of their grandchildren, at some time, their many skiing trips to Banff, Alberta, over a 33 year period. The love and companionship of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a vital part of Jean's life over the years. Jean's family expresses sincere thanks to Lina, Ion, Kim, Dr. V. and the staff at Humber Heights for their gentle care. In lieu of flowers, which are gratefully declined, donations may be sent to C.N.I.B., 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3E8.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2011