Obituary of Ann Jacqueline 'Jackie' Ross, River Ryan

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Jackie Ross, 84, of River Ryan on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Hospice Cape Breton with family by her side.

Born in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Edison A. and Mary C. (MacSween) MacDonald. Jackie was a member of Mount Carmel Parish, New Waterford. She worked over 34 years as a registered x-ray technician, RT. As the roll of RT was changing with technology, she was able to meet the challenges. In her youth, she loved to play basketball which earned her the nick name of 'Machine Gun Butch'. Jackie enjoyed reading daily. She visited the library once a week, and worked her way through all three local libraries a few times a year. She had a creative side and enjoyed ceramics. She received her teaching certificate in ceramics which she enjoyed. She travelled with her late husband, Harvey, which brought them to Europe, Scotland, Ireland, England and a few trips to Florida. Jackie also liked camping in her earlier years in Ingonish and reading on the beach for 'miner's vacation'. Jackie and Harvey loved to drive, and took many road trips around the province. In later years, she enjoyed sitting pool side reading and swimming with her dog, Patti. Afternoons by the pool were best shared with her family, as you could see by her smiles. Jackie was an animal lover; her constant companions were her two cats, Salt and Pepper, and her dog, Patti. Jackie was very proud of her four grandchildren and new great-grandchild, Charlee.

Jackie is survived by her son, Billy Ross; daughter, Marilyn (Dan) Kalbhenn, all of River Ryan; brothers, Jerry (Joanne) MacDonald, Lorne (Willena) MacDonald; brother-in-law, Tom (Jeanette) Ross; sister-in-law, Betty Ross, all of New Waterford; grandchildren, Andrew (Theresa) Kalbhenn, New Brunswick, Rebecca Ross (Dave Gillis), Aaron Ross (Lindsay Currie), all of New Waterford, Eric (Mallroy Van Wyngaarden) of Halifax; many nieces, nephews, along with special cousins, Jane MacDonald, Mary Morrison and Charles Mason.

Jackie was predeceased by her husband, Harvey Ross; both parents; her sister, Marilyn Marsh; brothers-in-law, Robert Ross and Karl Marsh.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11 a.m until the time of the service at 1 p.m. all in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. A reception will be held in the funeral home immediately following the service. Donations in Jackie's memory may be made to Hospice Cape Breton, Membertou. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.