Dolores Dally Marie Richardson Ross

      Dolores Marie Ross was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Dally always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Dally was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

      Dally was born on May 31, 1957 at Calgary General Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Her parents were Roy and Margaret Richardson. Dally was raised in Calgary, Alberta. Always able to express herself well, Dally possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Dally was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Dally was able to relate well with others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Dally was raised with four siblings. She had two older brothers, John and Marty, one younger brother Daryl and one younger sister Susan. Dally had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Dally showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Dally enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She liked to play volleyball. She was a Brownie.

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Dally was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. Her curious nature was spurred by her ability to maximize her personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She graduated from William Aberhart High School in 1975. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was typing.

      Friends and acquaintances found Dally an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Dally was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Lee Best, Debbie Weiss, Sue Craig. Later in life, she became friends with Marla Cohen, Silvana, Kelly Caddel.

      On October 18, 1980 Dally exchanged wedding vows with John Michael Ross at the Hope Lutheran Church of Calgary, Alberta. Dally was attentive to John's feelings, and she charmed John and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Dally was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid herself, Dally identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Dally was blessed with two children, two sons, Timothy and Thomas.

      Dally was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Dally’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought impact for her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Dally was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Dally could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was Legal Assistant. She was employed for 16 years at Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer.

      Dally enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were knitting, crossword puzzles, travel. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Because she liked to take risks, Dally was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. She was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Dally played volleyball. Recreational sports included softball, football. Dally was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were hockey, football.

      Dally was a generous woman who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. Dally was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta, Cassie Campbell Street Hockey Festival, CIBC Run for the Cure.

      Dally’s natural leadership qualities placed her in consideration for public recognition, earning her accolades for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included Volunteer of the Year, Ronald McDonald House.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Dally truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Maui, California.

      Dally was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Dally’s favorites was Jayar, a Brittany Springer Spaniel. They were best friends for 11 years.

      Dally passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Dally fought a long and brave battle against cancer. She is survived by husband John, sons Timothy and Thomas, mother Margaret, brothers John, Marty, Daryl, sister Susan and numerous relatives and friends. Services were held at Foster's Garden Chapel. Dally was laid to rest in Queens Park Cemetary.

      Dally was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Dally had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Dolores Marie Ross.

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ROSS, Dolores Marie (nee Richardson)

May 31, 1957 - August 10, 2011

A dedicated and loving wife and mother, Dolores Marie Ross is survived by husband, John; sons Timothy (Amber) and Thomas. She is also survived by her mother Margaret Richardson; brothers John (Joyce) Richardson, Marty (Chris) Richardson and Daryl (Maggie) Richardson; sister Susan (Russ) Ostertag; father-in-law Donald Ross; sisters-in-law Donna (Gordon) Strom and Barbara (Gerald) Harbers; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Dolores was predeceased by her father Roy Richardson (1982) and mother-in-law Leona Ross (2010). A long-term employee of Burnett, Duckworth and Palmer, Dolores took pride in her work and enjoyed every day in the company of her friends and co-workers. She was a tireless volunteer for Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta, as well as the Cassie Campbell Street Hockey Festival. Aside from family, these were her true passions in life. A Funeral Service was held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Interment followed at Queen's Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly in Dolores' memory to Ronald McDonald House of Southern Alberta, 111 West Campus Place N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 2R6 (Telephone 403-240-3000). Special thanks to Steve and Marla Cohen for their friendship, guidance and support. The family would like to thank the staff of Burnett, Duckworth and Palmer, Firefighters of Rocky View County Fire Service and in particular Station 71, the staff on Unit 46 at Foothills Medical Centre, Dr. Nordal and Dr. Teng. You made her days brighter by being there. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM.

Telephone: 403-297-0888.

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial.