Dr. Elizabeth Lee Ross

Dr.Elizabeth Lee Ross

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Elizabeth Lee (Douglas) Ross of Harmony, Queens County announce her passing at age 93 on May 22, 2021 with her loved ones by her side. Born in Caledonia, Queen’s County, Betty was the middle child of Lee Herbert and Mabel (Millet) Douglas and sister to late brothers Nelson and Charles. At a very early age books and animals became a central theme in her life. Betty loved to reminisce about the dogs, cats and even rabbits who shared her life.
Betty attended the two room schoolhouse in Caledonia where her academic prowess was discovered and nurtured. She was accepted to Acadia University, having already set sights on medicine at the tender age of 16, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. In 1947 she attended Dalhousie Medical School, notably one of two women in the class. Betty went on to specialize in pediatrics with a special interest in pediatric cardiology. She had tremendous dedication and passion for her patients and a soft spot for young children. Betty happily answered patients’ phone calls 24 hours a day and often was called into the hospital for emergencies.
While in medical school she met her soul mate, Dr. James F. Ross and they married in the front yard of Betty’s childhood home in Caledonia on July 15, 1950. Their love affair continued until Jim’s passing. Betty began her career working at the emergency department of the IWK and consulting on pediatric cardiac cases. In 1976, Betty opened her own practice in office space shared with Jim on the corner of Spring Garden Road, Halifax. Enjoying their full life together Jim and Betty travelled internationally, maintaining connections with acquaintances and friends from all over the world. They particularly loved New Zealand and spent 18 winters there hiking and touring in their camper van, making new friends wherever they went.
As a mother to Andrew and Susan, Betty encouraged her children to be independent and to experience the love of the natural world, spending summers and holidays at their beloved property in Harmony, Queens County. Betty adored her grandchildren Danny and David and often told funny stories from their childhood. They will always have fond memories of summers and family celebrations in Harmony.
Never with idle hands, Betty was famous for her ‘green thumb’ and maintained a huge vegetable and flower garden preserving her produce to serve to company at always interesting dinner parties with friends and colleagues. An avid quilter Betty created many intricate brightly coloured quilts. Betty will always be remembered for teaching others by sharing her vast knowledge.
Betty’s curious nature led her to be a voracious reader of all genres, and she was active in book clubs well into her 90’s. Throughout her life Betty enjoyed being active whether skating, canoeing, swimming, horseback riding, playing golf or tennis. She loved to engage in debate and to share her many interesting life stories with others. Betty had an exceptional memory and often spoke of her childhood and traveling experiences. As a supporter of the arts Betty and Jim were season ticket holders of both Neptune Theatre and Symphony Nova Scotia.
Upon retirement in 1988, Betty and Jim returned to live full time in Harmony. Her love and support of her community was shown in support of all things local including community suppers, fire department fundraising and a 4 year academic scholarship established for a North Queens Rural High School graduate attending Acadia University.
In her later years Betty was lovingly cared for by a group of local dedicated, compassionate caregivers who enabled her to remain in her home with the best of care.
Betty is survived by son, Andrew (Janice); daughter, Susan; grandchildren Daniel and David; nieces, AudraLee, Kate (Pat), Joanne (Wayne), Peg, Sheila and Heather. Betty was predeceased by husband, Jim; brothers Nelson and Charles (Pat); nephews Blair (Jean) and Rob.
A celebration of life will be held at the North Queens Fire Hall in Caledonia on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. All those attending Elizabeth’s service are asked to bring a mask, practice social distancing wherever possible, hand sanitize and provide the funeral staff with contact tracing information.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to North Queens Fire Hall or an animal shelter of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.chandlersfuneral.com