Obituary of Dorothy Ross

After a life richly lived and deeply cherished, Dorothy Maude Ross (nee. Purchase) of Burin, was called home on July 6th, 2026 in her 98th year. 

Dorothy was born in Lamaline to Albert and Bethina Purchase on February 23, 1929. She left home at the tender age of 16 and went to work in Burin as a housekeeper for the Kelly and Reddy Families. It was a couple of years later that she caught the eye of the handsome and charming Melvin Ross. The two made a perfect pair, and doted on each other, a match made in heaven.

In 1950, they married, built their family home on Ross’ Point in Burin, raised their family, and shared 43 years of unwavering love and companionship. Their home was a place where love was abundant, and the kettle was always on. A home cooked meal was never far away with her famous jam jams and lemon rolls served as family favourite desserts. Every visitor was always greeted with the cheeriest “hello” and the warmest embrace. 

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband and true love, Melvin Ross, parents Albert & Bethina Purchase, Brothers George Purchase (Dorothy) and Freeman Purchase, Sister Jessie Patten (Frank) parents in law Thomas & Gertrude Ross.  

Left to celebrate a beautiful life well-lived, daughters Beatrice Fitzpatrick (Ed), Melvina Grandy (Jack), Daphne Roberts (Derek), and son Dion Ross (Velma), 7 cherished Granddaughters Lisa White (Joe), Linda Fitzpatrick (Mark Foote), Heather Grandy (Mike Fairchild), Jennifer Lambe (Stephen), Jessica Chaulk (Kendan), Kathryn Ross (Brandon Smith) & Kelsey Ross, 2 adored Great-Grandsons Andrew Fitzpatrick and Kasey Chaulk, 2 treasured Great-Granddaughters Claire White (Jared Ocampo) & Melrose Lambe, and Brother Albert Purchase (Florence). She also leaves behind a circle of extended family and close friends. A special mention of dear family friends Leo & Marilyn Hartson, and neighbor Laverne Gaudon. 

The family wish to express their deepest appreciation to Mom’s devoted homecare workers Kim Foote, Joan Hodder, Megan Dawe, Kay Antle, and Isabella Moulton as well as Carolann Riggs NP who treated our mom with the utmost care, compassion and dedication. Also thank you to all the staff at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Center for the care and compassion provided.  

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, donations in her memory may be made to the Burin Peninsula Health Care Center or Hodder's Point Anglican Cemetery Fund in lieu of flowers. 

The family will receive visitors at Serenity Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 8th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 9th at 2pm at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Ship Cove, Burin

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home. We listen, we learn, we walk with you.