Obituaries

 

Joanne Mary Ross

Passed 06/16/2023

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Obituary For Joanne Mary Ross

Joanne Mary Ross, 71, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023 after a short illness in the Dartmouth General Hospital with family and her best friend Debbie Comeau by her side. She was born in Halifax to the late Joseph and Gloria [Walters] Ross and was the eldest of eight children.

Joanne was raised in an entrepreneurial family and started working summers in the family business at the age of thirteen at J&G Grocery. She was a graduate of Halifax Sacred Heart and Ms. Murphy Business School and started her career working for Dr. George Sapp, Ophthalmologist. In 1974, she had the pleasure of winning the title of Miss Halifax. During her marriage to Donald K. Walker, she worked for J. Albert Walker Funeral Homes where she attained her Funeral Director’s license, and in 1979 she was the office manager for the newly formed Walker’s Regional Ambulance Services. Joanne ran for Dartmouth City Council in the 80’s, and in the early 90’s she followed the family business and opened The Chowder House. After closing the Chowder House, she then started as a ERC Dispatch for HRM in 1997 and ended her career as a IES Dispatch Supervisor, retiring after 22 years of service.

Joanne’s greatest achievements were her children, Jason and Sarah Walker and adopted son, David Martirano. She loved her family immensely, especially her grandchildren Hailey, Logan and Noah who lovingly called her Nanny Jo. She spent her retirement years doting after them by attending Hailey’s recitals and horseback riding competitions, Logan’s hockey games, and Noah’s taekwondo, to name a few. When she was not running around after her grandchildren, Joanne enjoyed hosting family gatherings, which always included extended family members and friends, and traveling near and far with her daughter and friends. And of course, she loved her special trips to Frenchie’s with her shopping entourage Amigo’s

Joanne’s heart extended beyond her family, and she was lovingly referred to as “Mom/Mother” by so many. She was always extending a hand to anyone in need by opening her home or ensuring they did not go without even if it meant she did! This help also extended to numerous dogs and cats who needed a warm bed or food. She took in many international students over the years and ensured they had a few “life lessons” to help guide them.

She was also committed to her community and volunteered for many organizations over her lifetime. Joanne was chairman for the first NS Hospital Festival of Trees event, was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and served on the Board for the Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre.

Joanne is survived by her son Jason (Natalie), daughter Sarah, son David, grandchildren Hailey, Logan, Noah, Shaye, and Charlotte; sisters Linda (Greg) Redden, Pam Meredith, Susan Woods, and Sandi (Doug) Nicholson; brothers Jim (Lisa) Ross, and Joey Ross; Uncle Greg (Kathryn) Ross and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. And our extended family, Aline Young, Carolyn & Don Pettipas, Valerie & James Sadler. She will be dearly missed by her longtime friend Vincent McNeil.

Beside her parents, she was predeceased by her brother David (Pam) Ross.

To honour Joanne’s memory, we ask that you do a good deed for someone, volunteer at your local soup kitchen or anything to help support your community.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday June 29, 2023 at Brightwood Golf and Country Club in Dartmouth for 1 pm with a reception to follow.

Additional parking for service will be available in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church parking lot.

Services

29 Jun

Funeral Service

01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Brightwood Golf and Country Club 227 School Street Dartmouth , Nova Scotia B3A 2Y5 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 06/29/2023

    a great person . a friend. and a good boss. a loss for all that knew her.. frank

  • 06/28/2023

    I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Joanne. My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Ross family. I will always remember her wonderful smile and infectious laughter. Joanne will be solely missed. Kevin McIvor

  • 06/28/2023

    I remember Joanne as a wonderful sorority sister dedicated to the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi. She was a successful and positive leader. She brought fun and happiness to those around her. Sue Bolton Alpha Master Chapter Beta Sigma Phi

  • 06/27/2023

    May your memories of Joanne light the path to healing. My sincerest condolences and prayers to Sandi and family. ~ Deb Aucoin

  • 06/27/2023

    Thinking of the Ross and Walker families. Joanne was always a great hostess. We have great memories of parties in the 80's with the scavenger hunts as we raced around Dartmouth with our clues! She will be missed by so many, Frank and Janice Mason

  • 06/26/2023

    Deepest condolences to Sarah and family. You're with us in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With love from your Premiere Suites family.

  • 06/26/2023

    Sincere sympathy to Joanne's family. Remembering Joanne as a sorority sister in Beta Sigma Phi. I enjoyed serving with Joanne on many sorority events. She was a warm and caring person with a wonderful smile...May She be in heaven smiling with the Angels.

  • 06/26/2023

    Sincere condolences to Joanne's family. Joanne was a former member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a past President of Halifax-Dartmouth City Council Beta Sigma Phi. Joanne had great leadership skills that served her well as she chaired and served on many committees in our sorority. Her enthusiasm was an inspiration to those of us that had the pleasure to serve with Joanne on these committees. May She Rest in Peace, Halifax-Dartmouth City Council Beta Sigma.

  • 06/26/2023

    My sincere condolences to Sandi and family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

  • 06/25/2023

    To Linda,Pam, and the Ross family. I have not seen Joanne for a while,however I have known her a long time. Joanne was always so friendly and welcoming..and had one of the best smiles ever! My thoughts are with you..all.. sorry for your loss........Jeannie Shortt .

  • 06/24/2023

    My sincerest condolences to all the Family. I have many great memories of all the great times we all had back in the days. Joanne was always the "hostess" with the "mostest" and had many friends because of her great love of life. She will be missed. God love her May She Rest in Peace

  • 06/23/2023

    Jason and Sarah - so sad to hear the news of Joanne's passing --- I have many fond memories of her from the past 40 years and know that she will be missed by many. You have my sincere sympathy for your loss.

  • 06/23/2023

    Deepest condolences to the family of the late Joanne Mary Ross David S. Jenkins

  • 06/23/2023

    My sincere condolences to all the family. I knew Joanne as a child and was her next door neighbour for a number of years. Linda Stay (Schnare)

  • 06/23/2023

    Joanne was my coworker from 2007 until she retired. She was also supervisor and was one of my favorite people to work with. She was a card shark and we had great times playing games on our down times. You will be missed Joanne. Many condolences to her family and friends. My thoughts will be with you all.

  • 06/23/2023

    My deepest condolences to Joanne's family and friends. I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne and I could tell from the beginning that she was a very special woman. Such a sweet, loving and just overall a genuinely kind person. Sending love, and strength to her family. She will be missed.

  • 06/23/2023

    I worked at Walkers Regional Amblance when Joanne was the manager. I will remember her laugh and the fun times we shared. My condolences to Joanne's family and friends. RIP My Friend

  • 06/23/2023

    Dearest Sarah, Vincent and I were saddened to read of your Mothers' passing. Although I never met her, I know she meant everything to you and Jason. We hope and know that your memories of her will sustain you as you continue your life journey. Our heartfelt condolences to all the family.

  • 06/23/2023

    For Jimmy and family; and for BFF Debbie: I was shocked and saddened tonight to see notice of Joanne's passing; I'm truly sorry for your loss. She was a character and a force, that girl! For those reasons, I think we all know, and are comforted by the fact that, she's with David now. It's tough losing family (blood or chosen) so honor her by staying strong. You have my sincere condolences. Judi Carman friend/former co-worker

  • 06/22/2023

    Joanne's family: We were so sorry to learn of Joanne's passing. She was a wonderful lady who touched many lives along her life journey. We've heard many stories of her family and her love was so evident whenever she talked of her family, plus her Ross family. Keep your happier and fond memories close to your hearts. Kind Thoughts Charlie & Dawn Verge

  • 06/22/2023

    Sincere and Heartfelt condolences to Joanne's family at this sad time.

  • 06/22/2023

    My deepest sympathies to Donald, the Ross Family and Vince. I just had a nice chat with Joanne and Vince recently. I was shocked to hear of Joanne passing. A very nice lady, Sincerely Paul Finlay

  • 06/22/2023

    I have known Joanne my whole life and two words the always come to mind about Joanne is strong lady, she always would lend her ear to listen and a hand to help. She will be sadly missed at our cottage weekend getaways at Mrs. V's and our Christmas get together's a lot of great memory's and she'll always be in my heart.

  • 06/21/2023

    Sincerest condolences to the family. I enjoyed working with Joanne. She was my supervisor. She taught me a few games and was a great help with our team potlucks. May she Rest In Peace.

  • 06/21/2023

    Joanne was a very special person. It has been years since I last saw her and spoke to her, but it was always fun when we had a chance to chat. My most sincere condolences to her family and friends - she will be missed!

Tributes

  • Sweet Tranquility Basket

    Sharlene MacLean sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Joanne Mary Ross - 06/29/2023

    Thank you Joanne, for sharing your beautiful heart and love for my child... and many others. Love, Clan MacLean. ❤️

  • 4 TREES

    4 Trees were planted in memory of Joanne Mary Ross - 06/26/2023

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