ELSPETH MADGE ROSS
19 November 1919 – 11 August 2015
Elspeth Madge Ross, 95, passed away peacefully at her home on 11 August 2015.
Her husband Robin and her son Ian predecease her. She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and their families, as well as her daughter-in-law Melody.
The daughter of Franklin M. and Elizabeth (née Farrish) Ritchie, Elspeth was born on 19 November 1919 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. During World War II, Elspeth was a colonel in the U.S. Women’s Army Corps later stationed in Europe. Previously, while studying in Scotland, she met her future husband Robin, and after marrying in India in 1945, she and Robin (then a member of the Indian Civil Service) remained in India until 1947. Returning to England where they adopted their son Ian in 1953, the couple decided to move to Canada in 1957, and Robin later began work at the University of Toronto, eventually becoming Registrar. Elspeth returned to school to acquire a Master’s degree in Library Science and went on to work as a librarian. After retiring, the couple moved to Qualicum Beach in the late 1980s where both were active members of the congregation at St. Columba Presbyterian Church and the Qualicum Beach Golf Club. Elspeth was particularly involved with the Qualicum Beach Museum and Historical Society, working tirelessly for years as a volunteer to help expand the archives.
A Service of Interment will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, 28 August, in the Memorial Garden at St. Columba Presbyterian Church in Parksville, where Elspeth’s ashes will be placed next to those of her husband. Refreshments to follow.