Moira Jain Ross
Born In: Edinburgh Scotland
Born: July 29th, 1954
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: November 19th, 2013
We are saddened to announce the death of Moira Jain Ross of Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Moira died peacefully at Harbourstone on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, surrounded by her three children. She will always be remembered as a loving mother and best friend to her children as well as an inspiration to everyone who met her.
Born July 29, 1954, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Moira immigrated to Toronto in December of 1973, where she volunteered with the Clan Ross Association of Canada.
Moira moved to Cape Breton in the late 1970s after visiting the Cabot Trail and falling in love with the island’s beauty. She would spend the rest of her life here engaged in the culture and community. Shortly after arriving in Cape Breton, Moira managed Ambergate in Ingonish for several years, before coming to Sydney where she worked at Island Eye Care.
Moira was a supporter and active member of the Cape Breton arts community, appearing in a number of notable films, as well as stage productions at the Boardmore Playhouse.
As a musician, Moira was also known to accompany her partner, fiddler Marcel Doucet. For years, Moira volunteered selflessly in a variety of capacities in the community. Moira’s successful university education began late in life when she earned a heritage studies certificate, and bachelor of community studies degree at UCCB, as well a masters degree in Atlantic Canada Studies at Saint Mary’s University. During that fruitful period, Moira immersed herself in work and study at the Beaton Institute, finding time to write two books on Cape Breton history. Moira is also fondly remembered by her colleagues at the Cape Breton University Students Service Centre where she worked after finishing her education.
A lover of folklore, British humour, music, sheep, graveyards and knitting, we will miss her unique wit, compassion and intelligence.
Moira is survived by her three children, Alison Uhma (Donald Calabrese), Lindsay Uhma (Victor Tomiczek) of Sydney, Gavin Uhma of Halifax, and grandchildren, Emma and Landen. Moira is also survived by her sister, Margaret (Alastair Miller), Scotland; nieces, Karen, Alexandra and Katie and nephew, David.
Moira was predeceased by Marcel Doucet, Terry MacLean and by parents, Margaret (nee Norrie) and William Corrigan Ross.
Moira was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2007. Moira’s family would like to thank the staff of Seaview Manor for their loving care during the beginning stages of her illness. They would also like to thank the caregivers at Harbourstone Enhanced Care who, during the last years of Moira’s illness, became an adoptive family as they carried her with grace and dignity through to the end of her life.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia.
T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel will hold visitations on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Moira’s life will take place at the family home on Saturday from 2-6 p.m., 49 Ingoville St., in Sydney.
