Nancy Hellen Ross

Always in our Hearts

Nancy Helen Ross (Cumming) was born in Edmonton June 27, 1934 and died in Edmonton September 29, 2024, at 90 years old.

Nancy was predeceased by her mother Neva Cumming (Smith); father Colin Cumming; husband Donald Ross; sister Midge; brother Jimmy and his wife Peto Cumming; and daughter Jennifer Bassingthwaite.

Nancy is survived by daughters Susan Como (Casey); Catherine Ross; son Kenneth Ross; grandchildren Jason Bassingthwaite; Alisha Gorda (Steve); Tannis Gunderson (Layne Atkinson); Neva Bassingthwaite (Anna Whitehurst); Taylor Romano (Dylan); and greatgrandchildren Irelyn and Violet Atkinson; and Theodore Whitehurst.

She and Don married in 1954, and raised four children. Nancy worked full-time while raising her family until her retirement from Edmonton Public Schools, where she was an elementary school secretary. Nancy loved working at the school where the children were always curious what seasonal earrings and broaches Nancy would wear to school.

Pets were always a part of Nancy’s life and she had many stories to share about her childhood pets. These stories were enriched as jointly our families of pets grew with the years. Nancy was also a life long collector antiques and was an active member of the Wild Rose Antique Club, sharing her passion with her children and grandchildren.

Family vacations were always an important time as Nancy’s family grew to include her extended family and grandchildren. Early summers at Vincent Lake and the Sunshine Coast were later complimented by road trips with her grandchildren, narrow boats on the English canals and numerous Christmas’s in Mexico surrounded by family. These memories are held dearly with each of us. Along with the memory of her joyful infectious laugh often followed by a sweet smile and a wink. The wink was a trait she developed from her mother Neva.

Her children and grandchildren, who adored her, showed their love and affection by playfully tousling her hair as they walked by her to which she would always object.

From the grandchildren…

Alisha and Tannis:

We all loved spending time at Grandma’s house, where every visit felt like an adventure. We’d mischievously raid her Christmas baking from the freezer, pickles from the cold cellar, and peas from the garden. Grandma was always one step ahead of us keeping a wooden spoon hanging on the wall and, with a twinkle in her eye, would give us a playful paddle on the bum to keep us all in line. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, and a bit of mischief that made growing up with her so special.

Neva:

Thank you for being my constant source of advice, laughter, and unconditional love. I am so grateful for all the adventures we got to share.

Taylor:

I will always be grateful for summers with you in Edmonton, the antique road shows, the endless card games, our late-night chats, and all the adventures with you.

In keeping with Nancy’s requests, a private green burial service will be held. Nancy will be interred in Aurora Gardens at Northern Lights Cemetery, Edmonton.

Any donations to Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories at https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en will be greatly appreciated. No flowers please.