Marie Hazel Ross was born to Julia (Straka) Jarabek and Joseph Jarabek in August 1904 and passed away peacefully as she slept in the early hours of April 28, 2003 as a resident of the Menno Home in Abbotsford, B.C. Marie was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1989.
She is survived by her son Ted Lorin King and his wife Mary of Bellingham, WA., her son William "Bert" Ross and his wife Shirley and grandson Terry Ross of Port Hardy, B.C. her granddaughter Sherry (Ross) Carew of Port Hardy is currently living in Croatia. Great granddaughter Tennille Ross, Terry's daughter lives in Vancouver, B.C. Granddaughter Leilani Marie King resides in Steilacoom, WA. Granddaughter Margaret King lives in Bellingham, WA Marie's brother Ralph and Rose Jarabek had nine children who live throughout the Fraser Valley and beyond. Their daughter Rome Irwin is living in Vancouver, B.C. Margaret Black's sons and their families Edgar and Ivan Halvorson reside respectively in Lake Cowichan, B.C. and Phoenix, Arizona.
Mac and Margaret Ross live in Embro, Ontario. The Nolan and Rachel Patterson family, Bruce and Jan and Bruce Marshall and the Wenger family reside in Kansas.
Mrs. Ross is Aunt Marie to many. Walter and Faye Ross, Robert and Helen Ross, Wayne and June Ross, Wilbur and Doris Ross and his late brother Lloyd Ross and Lloyd's daughter Shirley Ross of Scotland, the Gibb family and the Massey family and all their children and grandchildren have been in their Auntie's life and thoughts daily. She has appreciated their care and generous kindnesses to her. The Reverend Reginald and Dorothy Wilson of Vancouver and George and Sadie Ross of White Rock are also among the many Ross relatives Marie was always eager to see and hear about.
Marie was often asked to what she attributed her long life. Her Advice was simple "Stay involved with people and remember that is all out there for us". Marie certainly lived by that advice. She was intensely involved in the community service activities throughout her life and was honoured several times for her prodigious and valuable contribution to the community.
At her own request there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the MSA Hospital Auxiliary or your favourite charity.
The date and location of a celebration of the life to Mrs. Marie Hazel Ross will be announced in the near future.