Obituary of Florence Macdonald Ross

February 3, 1928 – Calgary, Alberta

June 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

On June 3, 2024, we lost a strong pillar of our clan, Mary Florence Ross (née Macdonald), who died peacefully and fulfilled at age 96 in the Dulcina Hospice in Calgary. She was predeceased by her husband Clarence Ross; stepdaughter Glenda Ross; parents, Mary Florence MacDonald and Angus Neil Macdonald; brother Claude; and nephew David MacDonald. She is survived by her brother Neil MacDonald (Mary Jane); grandson Kenneth Ross; sister-in-law Joan Macdonald Regan; and thirteen nieces and nephews, including Michael Macdonald and his wife Donna (née Larsen), whose support and care during Florence’s last months is gratefully acknowledged.

Florence was a lifelong Calgarian, growing up in St. Joseph’s parish on the North Hill. She was educated in the Calgary separate school system and later trained as an elementary school teacher. She started her career in Beiseker, AB, and later became a teacher, then principal, in Calgary. She returned to school to obtain a degree in psychology, completing her certification as a counselling psychologist for Catholic students and their families. Upon retirement, Florence, a cancer survivor, became a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society and their CanSurmount program, ultimately becoming the coordinator of that program.

Florence devoted her life to teaching and helping others. She was a devout Catholic and lived her life guided by her religious convictions. Like her mother, Calgary’s first female separate school trustee, she was passionate about childhood education.

Florence was a true style icon and the proud owner of many beloved canine companions. The last one, Molly, did not leave her bed during the last days of her life.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of Garrison Woods Manor, as exemplified by Tanya Devries, a uniquely gifted health care worker. In addition, we would like to thank Imelda Bartonico for her years of helping Florence, and more recently, Susan Sacaladan, Irene Palma, and Rosa Segador, who assisted Imelda and further enriched Florence’s life. Special thanks to Alexandra Goncalves, who walked Florence’s dog when she was unable and became a dear friend. She lived her final days in the Dulcina Hospice, which epitomizes the best practice of palliative care. Our thanks to Dr. Sharma and his team.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Palliative Education and Excellence Research Fund at the University of Calgary, Telephone: 403-220-8261, email: give@ucalgary.ca, www.ucalgary.ca/giving, or to the Dulcina Hospice, 110 Evanspark Manor N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3P 0N4, Telephone: 587-230-5500, or to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Telephone: 403-289-2591, www.stjosephcalgary.com, a place of great significance for many years to the Macdonald family.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

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

In living memory of Florence Ross, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.