3 Jul 2007
ROSS (MacDonald), Jean Isabella – Blanford, passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Born in Eastern Passage, she was a daughter of the late John and Bertha (MacPhee) MacDonald. Growing up in the Passage, she worked and modeled at T. Eaton & Co. in Halifax. She later joined Clark Russe, Aircraft Facility and was part of a group of workers sent to Victory Aircraft, in Malton, Ont., to build Lancaster Bombers. Jean appeared on the February 1943 Victory Aircraft Calendar representing the Riveter’s Division. This same picture was featured in the Toronto Star in 2005 as part of the 60th Anniversary of the wartime remembrance feature. She was very proud to have been one of Canada’s “Rosie the Riveters”, and of her contribution to the war time effort. Jean was the Postmaster of the Cape Negro Post Office and a member of the Rebekah Lodge. Moving to Blandford, she successfully operated a boarding house providing accommodations for many visiting scientists working at Karlsen’s Whaling Plant. When the plant closed, she provided care in her home for several elderly women until she retired. Full of energy, with a ready smile Jean was “true to her Scottish and Maritime roots”, and always made time to keep in touch with her large family and growing circle of friends. She supported the Blandford Community Dinners, and worked for the NDP Party supporting her son Jack’s efforts in that area. She enjoyed traveling, wintering in Florida, Scottish festivals, her trips to Cape George, and visiting family and friends. Her legacy is the spirit and positive outlook on life that she instilled in all her children. Jean is survived by her partner, Harold (Rowdy) Shrum, Blandford; her sons, Jack (Pat) Ross, Bridgewater; John (Elizabeth) Ross, Fort McMurray, Alta.; daughters Dianne (Keith) Lorimer, Dartmouth; Anna (Fred Goode) Hall-Goode, French Village; Shirley (Stephen) Moody, Chester. Always young at heart, Jean took great pleasure in her grandchildren, Dianne and Heather Moody, Chester; Margie (Sheldon) Douglass, Paul (Ann) Swallow, Brian (Rhonda) Lorimer, Dartmouth; Annette (Guy) Bouchard, St. Margaret’s Bay; Michelle (Craig) Corkum, Windsor Road; Nicole and Aaron Ross, Fort McMurray; 10 great-grandchildren, and great great-granddaughter, Lauren. She was predeceased by her husband, George Ross (Cape Negro); her brothers, Jack, Albert, Huntley, Lloyd, Rod and Layton MacDonald, and sisters, Iris, Lorraine, Joan and Hazel. Family flowers only, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice. Visitation on Monday, July 9, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., with funeral service being held Wednesday, July 11, at 1 p.m., both in Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home, 13549 Peggy’s Cove Rd., Tantallon (Exit 5, 103 Highway). Interment in St. Barnabas Cemetery, Blandford.