It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lourdes Ross, spouse of late Joseph Ross, from Toronto. Lou (nickname Ludy) died on April 6, 2021, at the age of 90, surrounded by her sons.

Lou was born in Karachi, Pakistan and was the eighth of twelve children to Flavia and Jack Pinto (predeceased). In her early twenties, she met her true love and soul mate, Joe Ross (predeceased in 1970), who swept her off her feet and married her in all haste.

In the early 1960s, Lou was the driving force for starting a new life in Canada, eventually settling in Toronto and raising her four sons: Barnaby (Lois), George (Linda), Richard (Helen) and Patrick, who were lucky to call her Mom. Lou was a voracious reader, kind and compassionate. She would love to talk, sing and laugh, and always enjoyed a good joke. She was genuinely interested in the lives of everyone she encountered. A sociable woman, Lou enjoyed large extended family reunion gatherings which were full of laughter, robust singing, storytelling, impromptu dancing, games, and of course great food.

Lou was an active and enthusiastic participant in the lives of her eight grandchildren: Amélie, Jason, Emily, Mitchell, Lisa, Amanda, Philip and Joseph. In her later years she was delighted to be a great-grandmother to Félix-Alexandre, Louis-Étienne, Gordon and Kennedy. Unfortunately, Lou will miss greeting her latest great-granddaughter, Charlotte, who is due to be born in a few weeks.

Lou travelled the world whenever she could and enjoyed taking classes in creative writing, conversational Spanish and playing guitar. She was an avid bridge player and loved scrabble. Lou also loved picnics with the family and swimming. She cherished her family’s company. Lou leaves behind four siblings: Melba (late Len Cardozo), Austin (late Alma), Joana (late Armand Mascarenhas), and Gloria (late John Ferreira) and her predeceased siblings, Teresa (late Algernon D’Souza), Stan (late Joyce), Audrey (late Ronnie Culpeper), Burvy (late Mary), Leo (late Molly), Barbara (late Leo Falcao), Derek and John, and as well many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who have shown her great companionship and affection over the years.

As Lou said her last goodbyes, she did so knowing that she would be deeply missed, always loved and forever held dear by those she left behind. She leaves us with fond memories of her favorite song that she serenaded her husband with on their wedding day, Moon River.

Lou’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff at both West Park Health Care Centre and previously at Christie Gardens for their compassionate care. Lou passed away peacefully and with dignity on her own resolute terms.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private funeral for immediate family only followed by the Internment at the Riverside cemetery April 8th. However, in February 2022 we plan to host a Celebration of Life in Toronto near the anniversary of her birthday, conditions permitting. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.