Sally Masin Ross

Sally Masin Ross, a lifelong resident of the Seattle area, died on September 4, 2026, at the age of 94. Sally was born Sally Anne Masin in Seattle on May 20, 1932, to Eman and Anna Vera Masin. Her mother died when Sally was five, and Adeline Masin later became her stepmother.

Sally married Leon J. “Lee” Ross, and together they built a marriage, family, and home that remained the center of her life. Sally and Lee were married for 53 years before Lee’s death. They were an enduring example of love, marriage, and devotion to family.

Sally lived on Mercer Island for more than 50 years and her home there was the setting for countless dinners, family celebrations, and memories. Later, she lived for 10 years at the Bravern in Bellevue, where she enjoyed the view from her high-rise, beautiful art – much of it Lee’s - a roaring fireplace, with CNN in the background.

To her family, Sally was “Nanny,” or “The Bun” - a well-earned nickname inspired by the immaculate bun in which she always wore her hair. Sally was invariably the most fashionable person in the room - dressed beautifully regardless of the occasion. She loved fashion and beautiful clothes. For many years, her Friday routine included what Lee lovingly referred to as the “triple play” – Magnin’s, to Frederick & Nelson, to Nordstrom - followed by lunch with her father at Masin’s furniture on South Main Street.

Her elegance was unmistakable, but it never overwhelmed her warmth or affection. Sally was a world-class wit. She saw people clearly and loved them for who they were.

Sally appreciated life’s particular pleasures: black coffee, See’s Candy, a glass of La Crema and a sunny afternoon in oversized sunglasses and a chic hat. She never met a cheeseburger she did not like. But above all, she treasured her family and delighted in watching it grow.

Sally was predeceased by her husband, Lee. She is survived by her children, Wendy and Jeffrey Janison; Michael D. Ross and Marianne Parks; Bradley S. Ross; and Lori Breitenstein and Ted Fortier; her grandchildren, Andrew and Jenifer Janison, Jillian and David Marks, Hillary and John Hall, Arielle and Joshua Corson, Jonathan Ross, Leo Ross, Blair Breitenstein and Hayden Williams, Nicole and John Willett; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Temple De Hirsch Sinai or the American Brain Foundation.

There was only one Sally Ross. Her family will remember her elegance, her humor, her generosity, her unmistakable bun and, most of all, the unconditional love she gave them.

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