Obituary of Lori Jean Ross

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lori Jean Ross, 48, of Antigonish, N.S. on Monday March 17th, 2025.  Lori was born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on April 23, 1976 and was the cherished daughter of the late Jeanette (MacDonald) and Calvin Ross. She is survived by her siblings, Tammy (Willy) Kersten, Kingsville; Jody Ross, Fort McMurray; Kelly Ross( Robert), West Bay Road, nieces and nephews: Mikayla, Calan (Jass),  Bradley and Brogan Kersten, and Gracie and Sadie Ross. She was predeceased by her loving parents and several aunts and uncles.

The youngest of four children Lori had an independent spirit and stubborn nature that most definitely helped her overcome many hardships in her life. She went through so much in her short life and was stronger than most of us could ever dream of being.  Her unwavering spirit and positive outlook inspired those around her. She handled each curveball thrown her way head-on, with drive and determination and knocked it out of the park.

She felt a deep sense of gratitude for each day she was given.  She took great pleasure in the simple things in life. She enjoyed art and poetry and was happy going for drives with the tunes cranked as she bebopped to the music. She loved people and animals (especially pugs), and enjoyed a great meal with family and friends, and oh how she loved her McDonalds iced coffee!

Lori graduated from SAERC and went on to NSCC graduating with honors from the Information Technology program.  She continued her studies in IT in Halifax, N.S. She secured a job in Ottawa working on many complex government assignments.  She later moved to Fort McMurray and continued her work in the information technology field.  It was there that she suffered a massive stroke at the age of 35 which affected her vision, left her with limited mobility and an inability to speak.  Despite these challenging circumstances Lori returned to Nova Scotia where she learned to read, walk and communicate again.  She faced each hardship and never gave up.  She settled in at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish where she was treated like gold.  She had them wrapped around her little finger, often catering to her by buying her iced coffees and spoiling her with treats. They were like family to her, and she developed many strong friendships with the staff, residents and visitors who came to know her over the years.

She was a great advocate for herself and her needs.  She was a force to reckon with. Her stubbornness and persistence, while at times frustrated those who knew her best, helped her overcome so many obstacles.

Lori was one in a million in all the best ways.  She had a huge heart and a wicked sense of humour. She loved to laugh and make people laugh. She didn’t take herself too seriously. She touched the lives of everyone she met.  She greeted everyone with a smile (unless she felt you had done her wrong in which case she had no time for you and she let you know it).

Lori took great pride in her appearance.  She loved wearing jewellery and always had her hair, nails and makeup done (and had more makeup than the Sephora store).

She was a devoted sister, aunt, cousin and friend.  She kept in touch Facetiming daily to check in on everyone.  She cherished time spent with family and was especially proud of her nieces and nephews.  She never missed an occasion to celebrate their achievements and loved them all so much. She lit up when they entered the room and thoroughly enjoyed spending time in their company.

Lori will be missed dearly, but there is comfort in knowing she is free of pain and is likely singing along to a Garth Brooks tune at the top of her lungs, dancing like nobody’s watching, sipping on endless cups of iced coffee and reunited with mom and dad, catching up with family members who have gone before her. Her spirit will continue to inspire us and her memory will live on.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury, where visitation will take place on Sunday, March 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 24 from St. Margaret of Scotland Roman Catholic Church, West Bay Road with Father Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations in Lori’s memory can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, St. Margaret’s Church Cemetery Fund or a charity of one’s choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com