ROSS, Mary Williams (née Cumberland)

August 7, 1946 – August 27, 2021

Mary Ross peacefully passed away on August 27, 2021. Mary will be
remembered for her warm personality, kind smile and her contagious
laughter. Mary was the beloved wife of George for 41 years, in which
they enjoyed many adventures. Close connection with family was important
to Mary, as the proud mother of Kirsten (Noel) and a loving grandmother
to Isabella. Mary is survived by her sister, Ann (Tony) Amott. Mary is
predeceased by her parents John and Dorothy, and her brother Ken
Cumberland. Mary will be fondly remembered by friends and family,
including those in Ontario and abroad. Mary spent most of her life in
Southern Ontario, born in Mimico and growing up in Lorne Park and
Clarkson.

Mary then went on to Brock University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Political Philosophy, also studying English and Psychology. These
times formed fond memories for Mary, who was especially proud to be on
the first all-female rowing crew in 1967.

Mary began her professional life in the banking industry and then
transitioned to insurance, where she spent most of her career.
Completion of part-time courses and her hard-working nature advanced
Mary through roles in claims adjudication. Over the years Mary became
close friends with other insurance professionals, who referred to
themselves as the “Guardian Girls”. Even as job changes and geography
kept them apart, they stayed connected, meeting for a meal or a weekend
at the cottage. Mary made the work-life balance look easy, managing
full-time work and family life until 2013 when she began her retirement.

Mary became close with friends from George’s work and the pair joined an
eclectic group of travelers, who all had some connection to IT Project
Management. The pack of travelers was known to visit spots off the
beaten path in France, Italy and Mexico, among other locales.

She took great enjoyment in creating, known for her gardens and needle
crafts (sewing, knitting, and then crocheting) and passed these
interests down to the next generation. In her younger years, Mary was
known for her regular attendance at Saturday morning aerobics, and then
returned to her love of Yoga. She took great pleasure in watching her
granddaughter Isabella’s athletic abilities in dance and gymnastics.
Isabella’s patience and caring for Mary was unmatched, and Mary took
great pride in her granddaughter’s capabilities and accomplishments.
Similarly, Mary was delighted by Noel’s daughters’ youthful pursuits and
received many pieces of art from Mya and Charley.

George and Mary were supporters of arts and culture, as they often
attended performances in Stratford and Toronto. Mary’s favourite
component of these evenings was joining with a group of friends for
dinner and conversation.

Mary took comfort in the simple routines that she and George had,
including watching Jeopardy and Forensic Files together, often while
drinking a good cup of tea in the evening. After moving to Rockwood,
Mary and George discovered the Eramosa River Café. They could be found
in the cafe on a regular basis. Mary’s comfort and familiarity in the
café was notable. Mary and George appreciated the warm welcome and the
delicious food provided by Leo.
Mary also loved to have a good soak in the bathtub and was an avid
reader, especially fond of mystery novels.

The family would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of
staff at the Adult Day Programs that Mary attended in Erin and then
Guelph, as well as Eden House Care Facility. The staff at all these
sites provided the care that Mary needed and helped maintain the
relationships she had outside of their facilities, often using creative
means.

A small ceremony for close family will take place in the Fall and Mary’s
final resting place will be in the beautiful cremation gardens of
Woodlawn Memorial Park, Guelph.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be
made to either the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington or St.
Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation Guelph.

The Rose of Tralee – an Irish Song
The pale moon was rising above the green mountain
The sun was declining beneath the blue sea
When I strayed with my love to the pure crystal fountain
That stands in beautiful vale of Tralee
She was lovely and fair as the rose of the summer
Yet, ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me
Oh no! ‘twas the truth in her eye ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee
The cool shades of evening their mantle were spreading
And Mary all smiling was listening to me
The moon through the valley her pale rays was shedding
When I won the heart of the Rose of Tralee
Though lovely and fair as the rose of the summer
Yet, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning
That made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee

--
Gilbert MacIntyre & Son
Funeral Home and Chapel
http://www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com
Dublin Chapel - 519-822-4731
Hart Chapel - 519-821-5077