Mary Williams Cumberland Ross

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