Jean P. Ross

Jean Parsons Ross, age 85, Winter Park, formerly of Skaneateles, NY passed away July 14th. She was born in Gloversville, NY and was raised on the family farm which had been in the Parsons family since 1783. She graduated from the University of Rochester with a teaching degree and a Bachelor of Arts and met her husband, Richard Ross while they were students there. They had 3 children while they lived in upstate NY and moved to Maitland in 1966. Jean was a frequent substitute art teacher at Winter Park High School. She is best known for her work with AFS International, coordinating the high school foreign exchange program as the Central Florida Area Rep. In this role, she counseled hundreds of local AFS families, American and international students and opened many hearts and minds to the wonders of the world and other cultures. She was a long time member and deacon at Winter Park Presbyterian Church, a member of the Volunteer Auxiliary of Winter Park Memorial Hospital, and co-owner of The Needle Nook, a local knit shop.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 1974, who was on the faculty of UCF. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Merrell (Jim) of Tuscaloosa, AL, her son Dr. Richard Ross of Winter Park, her son Ron Ross of Orlando, her 4 grandchildren: Andrea Miller (Ryan) of Gotha, Scott Ross of Chicago, Erika Merrell of Burlington, VT, David Merrell of Boulder, CO and one great grandson, Logan Miller of Gotha.

Memorial service will be held at Winter Park Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 4:00 PM. Arrangements are being handled by Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Jean requested that contributions be made to The Andrea Miller Kidney Fund at Everribbon.com to help with costs associated with a kidney transplant or AFS International at www.afs.org or to the Winter Park Presbyterian Church at 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792

The family thanks you for the thoughts and prayers that you have already sent. Everyone has commented on her incredible kindness and listening skills, patience, stamina and a great memory. She always remembered everyone's name, even in the last days when she had dozens of new staff coming in. It is obvious that she touched and changed many lives. She helped open so many doors for students; many international careers and even marriages have been formed by her former students since their AFS year. She was referred to as a "second Mom" and as a quiet angel going around quietly solving problems with minimal effort. We will all remember her as a wonderful counselor, friend, mother and wife.