Obituary of Ethel Jean Frances Ross

August 23, 1947 – Edmonton, Alberta

March 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Ethel “Jean” Ross of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the age of 76 years.

Jean was born in Edmonton, AB, on August 23, 1947, to Ellen (nee Teske) and Grant McCrea Ross. She was the oldest of five children and lived her formative years with family.

Jean was caring, kind, and a great help to her mother. Jean assisted in the garden and would even have potatoes peeled and ready for supper when her mom came home from work. Jean had a budgie bird that she taught to talk. Her bird didn’t just say a couple of words but said actual sentences. Unfortunately, Jean’s mother had a stroke and lost her ability to speak. Jean lovingly and diligently worked with her mom each day until she regained her voice and was able to talk again. When Jean’s mom passed away, this led Jean on a new journey; first to spend time with her sister, and then she moved on and became part of a new family, where she lived on an acreage in Bearspaw. It is there that Jean found a church family and a faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Eventually, destiny ruled, and Jean discovered a variety of other living experiences, which ultimately led to her receiving services from Vecova in 2009. It is there that Jean was reunited with Melanie, as they had met many years prior, on that acreage in Bearspaw! In 2015, Melanie became Jean’s supportive roommate, when Jean joined the family home, living with Melanie, Barbara, and Marilyn, her roommates. In no time, she became a part of Melanie’s immediate family, as Jean captured their hearts while spending time over the years attending family parties and holiday celebrations.

Vecova gave Jean many wonderful opportunities and provided for her to live an exciting and fulfilling life! She visited London, England in 2012 and was there to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. She also travelled to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Victoria, BC, and Banff, AB, with Melanie and her roommates, experiencing so many wonderful things, from luaus to helicopter rides hovering over fireworks, the Las Vegas strip at night, jetting over the Rocky Mountains, and the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Jean also attended many rock concerts, jaunts through the town of Banff on carriage rides, dashing through the snow on dog sled tours, enjoyed many movies, hot tubbing under the falling snow and stars in the mountains while sipping hot chocolate, visits to Parliamentary buildings and various museums, boat rides, festivals, and so many other great adventures.

Jean had a zest for life and was known for her love of flowers, birds, hockey, wrestling (WWE), and hard rock music; Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and Alice Cooper being a few of her favorites! She cherished the series Downton Abbey, and absolutely adored The Royle Family! Jean also loved attending Camp Horizon each year during Christmas and summer holidays. She loved all the staff and volunteers there and she couldn’t wait to pull a practical joke on some of the camp counselors. Further, Jean enjoyed attending numerous activities and classes with Vecova Wayfinder. It is there that she continued to develop her skills as an artist by taking classes with Grasby Art Studio and then National accessArts Centre (NaAC). Her art was a highlight of the 2019 Vecova Art Show and her painting of Prince Charles will be on display through NaAC. Jean’s painting depiction of WWE wrestler Bray Wyatt was set on display and won an award at the 2023 Calgary Stampede Art Show. 

Throughout her life, Jean met many people and made lasting impressions on everyone she encountered with her unique laugh and great sense of humor, as well as her warm spirit and magnetic personality. Jean was genuinely caring, generous, and grateful. She was appreciative of the many staff and support that she received over the years!

Jean leaves to mourn many staff, friends, and family including three sisters-in-law, four nephews, seven nieces, many great-nieces and great-nephews, and extended family members.

Jean was predeceased by her infant brother Dennis, her mother Ellen, father Grant, brothers James and Lanny, and sister Marilynn.

At this difficult time, Jean would not want us to be sad, but to celebrate her life. Enjoy each moment and laugh often! We are all grateful to have known Jean. She lived an amazing and extraordinary life and had a lasting impact on all of us!

A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Jean requested to minimize the wearing of black. Instead, please wear bright colors to honor and celebrate her life.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jean’s family here.

In living memory of Ethel “Jean” Ross, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.