Dr.Elizabeth Lee Ross
It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Elizabeth Lee (Douglas) Ross of Harmony, Queens County announce her passing at age 93 on May 22, 2021 with her loved ones by her side. Born in Caledonia, Queen’s County, Betty was the middle child of Lee Herbert and Mabel (Millet) Douglas and sister to late brothers Nelson and Charles. At a very early age books and animals became a central theme in her life. Betty loved to reminisce about the dogs, cats and even rabbits who shared her life.
Betty attended the two room schoolhouse in Caledonia where her academic prowess was discovered and nurtured. She was accepted to Acadia University, having already set sights on medicine at the tender age of 16, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. In 1947 she attended Dalhousie Medical School, notably one of two women in the class. Betty went on to specialize in pediatrics with a special interest in pediatric cardiology. She had tremendous dedication and passion for her patients and a soft spot for young children. Betty happily answered patients’ phone calls 24 hours a day and often was called into the hospital for emergencies.
While in medical school she met her soul mate, Dr. James F. Ross and they married in the front yard of Betty’s childhood home in Caledonia on July 15, 1950. Their love affair continued until Jim’s passing. Betty began her career working at the emergency department of the IWK and consulting on pediatric cardiac cases. In 1976, Betty opened her own practice in office space shared with Jim on the corner of Spring Garden Road, Halifax. Enjoying their full life together Jim and Betty travelled internationally, maintaining connections with acquaintances and friends from all over the world. They particularly loved New Zealand and spent 18 winters there hiking and touring in their camper van, making new friends wherever they went.
As a mother to Andrew and Susan, Betty encouraged her children to be independent and to experience the love of the natural world, spending summers and holidays at their beloved property in Harmony, Queens County. Betty adored her grandchildren Danny and David and often told funny stories from their childhood. They will always have fond memories of summers and family celebrations in Harmony.
Never with idle hands, Betty was famous for her ‘green thumb’ and maintained a huge vegetable and flower garden preserving her produce to serve to company at always interesting dinner parties with friends and colleagues. An avid quilter Betty created many intricate brightly coloured quilts. Betty will always be remembered for teaching others by sharing her vast knowledge.
Betty’s curious nature led her to be a voracious reader of all genres, and she was active in book clubs well into her 90’s. Throughout her life Betty enjoyed being active whether skating, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, playing golf or tennis. She loved to engage in debate and to share her many interesting life stories with others. Betty had an exceptional memory and often spoke of her childhood and traveling experiences. As a supporter of the arts Betty and Jim were season ticket holders of both Neptune Theatre and Symphony Nova Scotia.
Upon retirement in 1988, Betty and Jim returned to live full time in Harmony. Her love and support of her community was shown in support of all things local including community suppers, fire department fundraising and a 4 year academic scholarship established for a North Queens Rural High School graduate attending Acadia University.
In her later years Betty was lovingly cared for by a group of local dedicated, compassionate caregivers who enabled her to remain in her home with the best of care.
Betty is survived by son, Andrew (Janice); daughter, Susan; grandchildren Daniel and David; nieces, AudraLee, Kate (Pat), Joanne (Wayne), Peg, Sheila and Heather. Betty was predeceased by husband, Jim; brothers Nelson and Charles (Pat); nephews Blair (Jean) and Rob.
A celebration of life will be held at the North Queens Fire Hall in Caledonia on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. All those attending Elizabeth’s service are asked to bring a mask, practice social distancing wherever possible, hand sanitize and provide the funeral staff with contact tracing information.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to North Queens Fire Hall or an animal shelter of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Elaine Frail
I was saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. I loved to visit Betty and Jim at their home in Harmony. We always had great conversations. My sincerest sympathy to all the family.
Marilyn McGinty Cobb
Sue, Andy & families
I can only offer my most sincere condolences about Betty’s passing. She was most welcoming to my family & my girls remember her well. Thinking of all of you with much love.
Marilyn, Shannon & Erin
Joce
Condolences to your family Sue. You are in our thoughts. Sue what a lovely tribute to your Mom! Joce&Suzie
Karen Jenner
Sue, Very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. She sounds like she was quite the woman and certainly lived a very full life!
Bonnie Labrador & Jerry Mansfield
To Betty’s family and friends
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept out sincere condolences.
Audrey Lee Bennett (Douglas) and Adam
I will miss Aunt Betty so much, but will always have the memories of building fairy houses in the woods, hiking around Kedge, swimming, horseback riding, canoeing and enjoying meals overlooking Harmony Lake. Especially, Don, Adam and I so enjoyed their visits with us in Mississauga as a stopover point on their annual trips to New Zealand.
Rest In Peace, Aunt Betty.
Pat Canning-Selig--Don Selig
So sorry to hear of Betty passing, she was quite a lady,
I remember when they lived in Halifax and couldn’t wait
to get to Harmony for the weekend. Betty loved to garden
and then took up quilting when she moved there permanently
she made many beautiful quilts, her and Jim were a great
addition to the Community, I loved to chat with them both
She will be missed, God Bless
Cheri Wilson
Thank you Dr. Ross for the care you gave our children. I will always have fond memories of our visits with you, and always be grateful you were our pediatrician. You lived your life admirably!
Judy Merry
So sorry to hear of Mrs. Ross passing.
Fr. Garnet & Judy Merry.
Suzie Officer
A special woman and I know will be missed by many. How many lives she must have touched and healed. Thinking of you all.
Janie Morse
So sorry for you loss Susan and family. Thinking of you. What a lovely, personal tribute to your mom. It’s evident how much she enjoyed life in the outdoors.
Janie Morse
Barb and Mac
We will always remember of fun summers at Bette and Jim’s cottage in Caledonia! Enjoyed by everyone! Mac and Barb the two families are still good friends!!❤️❤️
Donna & Gilford
So sorry for your loss,,, RIP Betty,, I am glad I was a part of the your caring team, and got to know you <3 we sure had some good laughs <3
Judy Flemming and Peter Rogers
Dear Sue,Andrew and family….I remember Betty as customer at Home Hardware with her lovely husband Jim.I really enjoyed getting to know both because I am a come from away.Jim was a kind and interesting human to get to know and Betty had questions but the most welcoming heart to get to know you and have you join anything that was happening in the area.She is the reason I have part of my counter top in the kitchen lower than the rest so I can kneed my bread.I really enjoyed anytime spent with your Mom and Dad.Caledonia was so lucky to have had them in their senior years.Read many a good book because of your Mom.Big hugs to all the family. Judy and Peter
Janet Smith
Andy , Janice and Boys .. Sending my deepest condolences to you And All the Family! So sorry for your loss!
Janet Smith and Families.
Dennis & Sharon Wills
Andrew and Susan and Families, please accept our deepest sympathy in the passing of your mom. She was kind ,caring and thoughtful and was a beautiful lady inside and out. Your Mom so graciously invited me to spend the four nights at her home in Halifax when our son was having surgery which was done by your Dad. I will never forget her kindness. Heaven has just gained another beautiful angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Max and Myra Holdright
Many heart felt condolences to Sue,Andy and families.
Linda Frail
Sorry to hear of Betty passing a wonderful lady respected by all who came in contact with her. So enjoyed chatting with her. Sympathy to the family
Doug and Pat Lohnes
Dear Susan , so sorry for your loss. It was such a pleasure for Pat and I to spend time with Betty and you in Harmony in May of 2019. She was so welcoming and shared many stories with us. Please accept our sincere
Condolences .
Anne Zwicker
My condolences to Andrew, Janice and Family. Loved the slide show of her life and the photos of your family over the years. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris MacNaughton
Sue and Andy, so sorry for the loss of your dear mother. Your parents certainly had a beautiful life together. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Wanda Crouse
Sorry for your loss. I met your mother at work. She was a smart and wonderful person.
Patsy &Arthur
Andy and Sue,so sorry to hear of moms passing,she and your dad were great friends over the years,she will be missed by all who knew her,R.I.P. Betty,Patsy & Arthur
Cheryl Armstrong
big Hugs Sue and Andy and family she was well love ❤️ I will miss seeing her smiling face
Paul and Gail Fancy
Paul and I want to offer our sincere condolences to Sue, Andy,Janice, Danny and Davy. I loved both Betty and Jim very much. We became very close to them in our years of working for them. They treated Paul and I just like family. We will never forget their kindness. Betty was very giving and kind. I will miss her. God Bless you all.
Jean Douglas
Dear Sue, Andrew and Family,
There are so many memories of Aunt Betty. We had many visits to Harmony Lake, and in season always sent home with arm loads of fresh produce from her garden. What a wonderful life she and Uncle Jim have had together, so many adventures! Sending love and future hugs to the family.
Dorothy and Jonathan Ernst
Our deepest condolences Andrew and family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Rest In Peace Mrs Ross
Rick Allen
Condolences to the Ross family with Bettys passing . I didn’t know her really well but each time I did she always had a smile and told me about the story of rowing my dad out to an island when he was in the RCMP while doing an investigation and my dad was pretty impressed by her rowing skills . Take care and be well everyone
Rod and Mary Keirstead
Susan and Andy,
What a life Betty lived! She and Jim were always so interested in our kids, where they were and how they were doing. We had a great respect for Betty and Jim, their commitment to North Queens and desire to share their ideas and experiences. Betty will most definitely be missed. The Kedge Book Club will miss her greatly, too. The best to you both and your families.
Rod and Mary Keirstead
Conrad Family
Our thoughts are with your family as you deal with the loss of an amazing woman; she lived life to the fullest and enriched many lives on her journey. Condolences from the Conrad Family
Cynthia Ernst
My thoughts are with the family during this sad time. Betty was truly a remarkable woman.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Cindy
Sandra Ryan
Dear Sue, I am sure that I speak for all of your yoga friends when I offer our condolences to you and your family upon the loss of your mother. We all know of the long hours of loving care that you put into the organization and care of your much loved Mom. May she now Rest In Peace.
Mary Trott
My sincere sympathy Sue to you and all your family. Your Mom’s obituary was a tribute to her and her many accomplishments. It was a beautifully done.
John & Nancy LEEFE
Betty and Jim knew the joys of life through all those they touched. Their generosity was expressed in so very many ways. They will be fondly remembered by all who shared the path of life with them.
Glen DeMond
My sincere condolence to all of Betty,s families. We grew up in next door communities, yet I really did not get to know Betty and Dr. Jim until I retired to back home in 1990. Our acquaintance became through chats about how our vegetable gardens were doing, what types we planted , and so on….. Then seeing both at the community suppers and the Fire Hall suppers. Betty will be missed by all. With my condolence to all.
Glen
Sandra/Robert Mailman
Andrew,Janice,Danny & Dave.So sorry for your loss.The celebration of her life video was really done well.She looked like she was a very strong,brave woman.Hugs.
Carol Shay
My sincere condolences to Sue, Andy and family. Your Mom was a true force of nature and I am sure her presence will be missed.
Julie Ernst
What a lovely tribute! It sounds like she was quite a pioneer and lived life to the fullest and on her own terms. She obviously touched many lives along the way and will be fondly remembered. She has left a legacy to be proud of. Our very deepest sympathies to the Ross family during this difficult time.
Julie & Mark
Kim Masland, MLA
To Betty’s Family,
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I will forever be grateful for the day I knocked on Betty’s door during the election campaign. I spent a hour simply listening and absorbing as much information as I could in the time I had with her. She inspired me as a woman and gave me an extra skip in my step when I left her door. I will never forget that conversation! I always enjoyed chatting with Betty when I would see her at breakfasts and community suppers. She was a brilliant, resilient, strong lady, who loved her roots. Every life she touched was positive and she will forever be remembered for our generosity and compassion. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time of loss. My sincere condolences.
Nancy Douglas
Thank you Dr. Ross for the excellent care you provided to my son as his pediatrician. I will never forget your kindness when I, a new rather nervous Mother, would call you – and often you would say “now don’t you worry, just bring Darren in to the IWK and tell them to page me”! What a wonderful Dr. you were and I am so grateful to have had you, thank you.
To your family my sincere condolences on the loss of an incredible person, I love that she was so happy during her life. What a wonderful obituary, what a joy she was! Bless you.
Kathy Townsend
Sue, you truly were a loving and compassionate daughter, especially in the last years of your mother’s long and distinguished life. After reading the lovely tribute to your mother, I could more fully appreciate your love and dedication to animals and your close connection to nature. Both remarkable women.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Our condolences to Betty’s Family. I got to know her through the Queens Quilters Guild in Liverpool. She was a beautiful quilter and a lady of many talents. My life was enriched having known her. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Ron Wyer
Ron Wyer
Andrew and family. sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Annette
Ted Ross
My sincere condolences to “Sister” Sue and to Andrew.
Barbara Robson
I always enjoyed having Betty in my quilting workshops, loved hearing her stories and having her in the Mahone Bay Quilters Guild. Condolences to her family.
eric/beth joudrey
to the Ross family we offer our condolences , for Susan and Barrymore often think about our summer working on the house and some of your dad,s stories (when teasing your mother on “poditary and pedatrican ” …
Kathy Y.
In 1969 when I was an eleven year old girl with severe rheumatic fever, I spent 6 months in the old children’s hospital away from my family. Because of the excellent and compassionate care I received from Dr. Ross, I am still living and have even managed to bring a son into the world! Oh how I would look forward to hearing Dr. Ross’s distinctive and reassuring voice, and how I enjoyed her frequent visits to my bedside and the wonderful stories she would tell about her family (I used to fantasize that I was Susie, going for horse rides!). Her laugh was music to my ears and her lingering pats to my hand were such a comfort. She had a confident, no-nonsense approach to medical treatment, but the constant twinkle in her eye drew me to her with trust, admiration and love. Thinking back, as I often do – I am filled with thanks and appreciation for the woman who inspired me to keep on keeping on. She was truly a gift to the world. My sincere condolences to her family for your great loss.
Kathy
Tina Mansfield
My condolences. She will be well missed she was a great knowledgeable and sweet lady I was glad I met her.
Cheryl LeCaine
Sue & Family,
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Cheryl LeCaine
Sandra Stafford
I have fond memories of your mother and her welcoming home in Harmony. She was a caring and generous lady. Bob and I enjoyed the times we spent with both your parents.
My sympathy goes to you all. Sandra Stafford
Alice and Cliff Drysdale
Betty and Jim were always good friends to Cliff and I. They lived a good life as important contributors to Nova Scotia’s health care system and as residents of North Queens and Halifax. Our condolences to Sue, Andy and the grandchildren.
Alice and Cliff Drysdale
Julie West
Sue, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. Condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Julie and Deb
Marcus Waddington
Terrific person. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Craig Collins
Andrew and family,
My condolences on learning of your Mom’s passing. A life well lived. I have no doubt there are many cherished memories that will sustain you during this time of loss.
You are in my thoughts.
Donna Gehue
To Betty’s family, sincere condolences. I have many cherished moments of spending time with Betty at Queens Quilter meetings. She was a beautiful quilter and so much fun. I will always remember her .Betty was very talented and very graciously shared her talents. It was such a pleasure to know her. So sorry for your loss.
Anne Kempton
My sincere condolences to Sue, Andy and family in the loss of such a beautiful lady. May she rest in peace.