Louise Blais Ross
Date of Passing:
Ross, Louise Blais, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 21, 2022 at the age of ninety-three.
Louise was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on April 27th 1929, the youngest daughter of Annette Florida Brassard Blais and Henry John Blais II of Pawtucket RI.
She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Roy Francis, and is survived by her six children, in whom she instilled a love of culture and the arts and a spirit of generosity: Geoffrey (Patricia), Caroline, Susan (Nino), Meg (Peter), Andrea (Nat) and Douglas; her grandchildren Julia Ross, Anna Ross, Katie Westover, Jennifer Alvarado Ross, Stephanie Alvarado Ross and Matthew Alvarado Ross, Amos Shinkle, Rosalind Shinkle, Isabelle Rea and Cecily Rea. Louise is pre-deceased as well by her sisters Elizabeth and Caroline and her brother Henry; she had a deep, abiding affection for their children, her nieces and nephews.
Louise graduated St. Clare High School in Woonsocket RI in 1937, Regis College in 1941, and received a Masters in Government and History from Boston College Graduate School 1952.
She married Roy Francis Ross – whom she met in graduate school when he noted dryly that her stylish Italian boots were particularly unsuited for Boston’s winter — on June 26, 1954.
Louise put tremendous energy into her family, had many valued friends and was a well-respected member of the community, particularly through the Barrington Women’s Club, the Barrington Garden Club, St. Luke’s Catholic Church and Meals on Wheels. Her volunteer work was on a very human scale, with small gestures that changed lives.
She was an astute bridge player, an avid reader and tireless hostess for her family’s get-togethers in her tree-lined yard. The Red Sox, Boston Bruins and New England Patriots kept track of the seasons for her as did her grandchildren’s birthdays, which she assiduously celebrated with cards that never failed to arrive on any day other than their birthday. Her grandchildren – who knew her as GMa — loved her dearly, treasured family gatherings around her table and Cape Cod vacations with her in late summer. They vied to elicit her infectious giggle and considered Ted Williams to be their only competition for her lasting affection.
Her vivacity, intellectual curiosity and sweetness will be greatly missed by many.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington on Tuesday May 31, 2022 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Monday May 30, 2022 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of Louise’s favorite charities, In-Sight, 43 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, Rhode Island 02888 or Catholic Charities of Rhode Island.
Hi,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. I remember her as the mom who always had a kitchen FULL of good snacks and she seemed to always be smiling. She and my mom played bridge together for years! I was sorry to miss her when I was in RI a few years ago.
To the family of Louise Ross. My sincere sympathy and prayers to everyone on the passing of your Mom. Louise and Roy were such kind and gracious neighbors on Manning for so many years. A wonderful couple I was honored to know for so long. So very sorry I missed the obituary and did not attend the services. I would have loved seeing everyone. Prayers and God speed. The Stephen Romano Family from Manning.
Dear Geoff, Caroline, Meg, Susan, Andrea and Doug, and your families,
Your mom was about the nicest, most sincere person one could ever have for a friend, and that she was, for many, many years through PTA in our children’s younger years and then as a long-time bridge friend. She was always so proud of you all. She was compassionate in her concern for friends and so stoic with her limited eyesight, never complaining outwardly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your mom and take comfort in your wonderful memories. She was so lucky to have you.
Audrey and David Rogers
.
Dear Geoff, Caroline, Meg, Susan, Andrea and Doug, and your families,
Your mom was about the nicest, most sincere person one could ever have for a friend, and that she was, for many, many years through PTA in our children’s younger years and then as a long-time bridge friend. She was always so proud of you all. She was compassionate in her concern for friends and so stoic with her limited eyesight, never complaining outwardly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your mom and take comfort in your wonderful memories. She was so lucky to have you.
Audrey and David Rogers
.