Obituary of Florence Catherine 'Jeanette' Ross

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mom, Florence Catherine "Jeanette" Ross, 80, at her home in West Bay Road on Thursday, July 11th, 2024. Jeanette was born on March 14, 1944, in Sydney to the late Collie Sandy and Katie Bell (Cameron) MacDonald.

After school Jeanette moved to the city and worked for a few years but her heart was in Cape Breton, and she returned home to West Bay Road. She met Calvin and they married in 1968.  Together they raised four children; Tammy (Willy) Kersten, Kingsville; Jody (Dina), Fort McMurray, Alberta; Kelly (Robert), West Bay Road; and Lori Jean, Antigonish. Jeanette was a homemaker for many years but when her children were old enough, she returned to work as a custodian at Stora Forest Industries until her retirement, where over the years she made many great friends. Jeanette loved company! There was no such thing as stopping in for a brief visit.  Time just seemed to pass ever so quickly in her presence. She was a friend to all she met. She had a way of quickly putting everyone at ease with her friendly nature, her kindness, generosity and her great sense of humour! She was a ray of light that shone brightly and could easily lift your spirits on the darkest of days. She looked forward to seeing "her girls" with HomeCare each day and truly loved them all, and they became like family to her.

Jeanette was an avid baker and could often be found in the kitchen baking a batch of her famous biscuits, rolls and bread and many a household got to sample them.  It was nothing for her to whip up a batch of biscuits and send them over to a neighbour to enjoy. Jeanette could make a meal out of nothing, and you never left her home feeling hungry.

Jeanette was especially proud of her family.  She was happiest when she was surrounded by them enjoying a cup of tea in hand and a good feed of lobsters or marag (Scottish pudding). She thoroughly enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and loved them with all her heart.  She would beam as she spoke about them and their accomplishments. She was delighted when they took the time to call and visit spending precious time with her. She was their biggest fan.

Jeanette was very spiritual and had an unwavering faith. She would offer up prayers for those she loved or those she heard could use some and found great comfort in doing so. Her faith carried her through some of the most difficult days. 

She will be greatly missed by her sister, Hughena Brewer, Halifax; brothers John "the twin" (Anna) MacDonald; Joe (Irene) MacDonald; sister in law Alice MacDonald, all of West Bay Road. Grandchildren Mikayla, Calan, Bradley and Brogan Kersten; Gracie and Sadie Ross. She was predeceased by her husband, Calvin Ross, brothers Tommy MacDonald, Hughie "the twin" MacDonald; sisters Mary Siegfried and Peggy Jardine.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Thursday July 18th at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury.  She will then be cremated with funeral service on Saturday July 20th at 11:00 am in St. Margaret's Parish, West Bay Road with Rev. Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial to follow in St. Margaret's Church cemetery.

Donations in memory of Jeanette may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, The R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, St. Margaret's Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of one's choice.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com