ALICE RUSSELL (ROSS) ROTHNEY

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ALICE RUSSELL (ROSS) ROTHNEY Alice Russell (Ross) Rothney; on April 1, 2005, in Winnipeg, aged 85 years. Survived by her loving family: sons, William and Russell (and Louise Champagne); grandchildren, Anna and Alexander; brother Bob Ross (and Sandy) of Bracebridge, ON; sister-in-law Evelyn Ross of Calgary, AB; and brother-in-law George Rothney (and Audrey) of Abbotsford, BC. Predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Gordon; beloved daughter Jeanie; sister Jean Morrison; brother Bill Ross; and daughter-in-law Evelyn Ste.Croix. Alice was born in Songjin (Kimch'aek), Korea, on December 30, 1919, daughter of Alexander and Grace (Davis) Ross. After Songjin, Alice lived in Yong Jung (Lungchingtsun), Manchuria, and completed high school in Pyongyang, Korea, before moving with her family to Canada in 1937. She received a B.A. from Sir George Williams College in Montreal in 1946. In 1952 she became superintendent of the United Church orphanage in St. John's, NF. After studying Education at Memorial University, she taught junior high at Prince of Wales College in St.John's. Alice was very active in the Association for the Mentally Retarded in both Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), ON, and Winnipeg. She played a lead role in the development and operation of Winnipeg's first community-based program for young people with multiple disabilities and was a strong advocate for community-based facilities and programs for severely handicapped individuals. Always interested in world affairs, Alice lived in New Delhi, India, and Geneva, Switzerland, and travelled in various parts of Europe, Asia, northern Africa and Cuba. Over her last 15 years she was a committed member of Knox United Church and an active resident of Fred Douglas Place. She enjoyed playing piano and delighted in classical and other fine music. She loved flowers and was an avid outdoor and indoor gardener. Alice will be remembered by her many friends for her gracious and charming personality. She spent her final weeks at the Grace Hospice. Her family is grateful for the kindness of staff and volunteers as well as for the fine amenities. A memorial service will be held at Knox United Church, 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 8. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Alice may be made to the DuVal Foundation of Knox United Church (400 Edmonton St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2M2) or to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (101 - 555 Main St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1C3).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2005