GWEN ROSS (BLAIR) 1912-2005

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GWEN ROSS (nee BLAIR) 1912-2005 On Sunday, September 4, 2005, Olive Gwendolen (Gwen) Ross, peacefully passed away at the Beacon Hill Lodge Personal Care Home at the age of 93 years. She is survived by her daughter, Pat Manness (Laverne); grandchildren, Rob Manness (Sandy), Brent Manness (Rachel), Lorna Wilson (Paul), Andrew Manness, Jonathon Manness (Amanda); seven great-grandchildren, Jessica, Alexandra, Nicholas, and Samuel of Winnipeg and Kayla, Lauren and Joshua of San Diego, California; as well as her brother-in-law Don Ross of Ottawa, ON. Gwen was predeceased by her husband, Jim Ross in 1993; her sisters, Edna Johncox of Vancouver and Millie Loveday of Winnipeg. At the age of 18, Gwen worked as a stenographer at Rowntree's and was later employed by the Municipality of St. James. Part of her work was to record the minutes of council meetings. As meetings would often run until midnight, Jim would stay up and faithfully escort Gwen home safely. After a long courtship, it came as no surprise that the two strong, tender souls joined their lives in marriage at St. James Presbyterian Church on August 24, 1938. Following the birth of their daughter in 1945, Gwen remained at home to nurture her new family. Gwen created a charming and relaxing home environment, which her grandchildren found especially inviting. It was here that she entertained others, always a gracious hostess. In later years, Gwen and Jim would frequently venture out to Domain, MB to help at Pat and Laverne's farm, where their grandchildren would eagerly anticipate their visits. Not only was Gwen devoted to her family, but to her community as well. She was a longtime member of the St. James Presbyterian Church and having a great love of music, she enjoyed singing in the choir for 70 years. Gwen was also a member of both the Women's Missionary Society and the Domain Women's Institute, which she joined when her daughter moved to Domain, eventually becoming a life member. Reading and gardening were two interests of Gwen's, not to be surpassed by her affection for cats, jewellery, and fashion. Like her mother, she was a skilled seamstress. Like her father, she was a gifted pianist. Gwen also loved to play games, which typically resulted in a serious and highly contagious case of the giggles. Gwen was a loving, selfless lady who was the embodiments of class, dignity, and grace. Her kindhearted, gentle, and generous spirit was and always will be a blessing to us all. Gwen, we love you and will miss you dearly. Funeral services will be held on Friday, evening, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Ave. Gwen's family would like to thank the staff and her friends at Beacon Hill Lodge for their kindness and care for Gwen over the past year and a half. WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2005