October 26, 1956 - May 27, 2022
In loving memory ~
We are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Gail Ross on May 27 2022, with her family by her side. Gail was predeceased by her parents Earl and Dorothy Jorgensen. She is survived by her loving husband Sam, daughter Karen (John Conway), son Darrel (Sheena Witter), son Brian (Mel Taylor), and granddaughter Mallory Conway. Gail is also survived by her siblings Carl (Colette Goyet), Anne (Eugene) Stroo, Paul (Beth Kennedy), Eric (Zuzana Zach), Mary (Peter) Defeo, and mother-in-law Marg Ross, plus numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gail grew up and attended high school in Nelson. She met Sam at a curling bonspiel in 1974 and they have been together ever since. Gail completed her B.Ed. at the University of Alberta and taught for one year before informing Sam that it was time for them to get married. Gail and Sam wed in Nelson in 1979, then returned to Edmonton in 1980 where Gail completed a post-graduate diploma in Special Education. The family moved to Rossland in 1984. Gail was an engaged, loving, and creative mom, making holidays special with elaborate birthday cakes and homemade Halloween costumes and never hesitating to welcome (and feed) the many friends her kids would invite over without warning.
Gail's life was rich with hobbies and friendships. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed beautiful dresses for her daughter, wonderful quilts, and - during the pandemic - hundreds of cloth masks for healthcare workers and the Rossland community. She was a lifelong artist and crafter, creating intricate pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs) and dot-mandala painted rocks.
Gail was a proud member of the Mystic Dreams belly dance troupe and a survivor paddler on the Kootenay Robusters dragon boat team. She was an excellent curler, dedicated geocacher, and lifelong sorority member. Above all, she loved going on adventures with Sam, her best friend throughout their nearly 50 years together. Whether travelling the world (Turkey, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, the Caribbean ...), exploring North America, or discovering new places to camp and hike around the Kootenays, Gail was up for anything with Sam by her side.
In lieu of flowers, Gail suggested honouring her memory with a donation to your favourite local charity. A gathering to remember Gail will be held at Birchbank Picnic Grounds on Sunday June 12, 2:00-4:00pm.
The family would like to thank the care team at KBRH Oncology, the nurses at Home Health, Cathy and crew at Alpine Drugs, Jill from Greater Trail Hospice, Dr. Kerby, and Lori Verigin for their care of Gail and Sam through this difficult time. Thanks also to all of the Robusters and Mystic Dreams for their visits, and everyone else who stopped in or sent cards to cheer Gail up.
Andreas Schmitz of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family register at www.myalternatives.ca.
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services