Geraldine J. Ross

Geraldine “Gerry” J. Ross age 85, died July 5th 2009 surrounded by her loving family.  Gerry was born on March 8th, 1924 in New Rochelle, New York, daughter of the late Ashley and Helen Johnson. During the Great Depression, Gerry moved to Chebeague Island at the age of seven and she was delighted to join the many generations of family that lived there.  After attending Chebeague Island High School, she graduated from Northeast Business School in Portland, then started her career in the payroll office of Standard Oil Company in South Portland.  During WWII she worked for the South Portland Shipyard in the same capacity.  In 1946 she married Lewis Ross of Chebeague Island and for the next 55 years made Chebeague Island their place of work, rest, and play.  While raising a family of three, they participated in many island civic activities and ran a contracting business for over 25 years.  She will be remembered most for her polite and sincere kindness, her strong love of family, her legacy of service to her community, and her devotion to God.

Besides leaving a community of many loving friends, she is survived by her daughter Beth R.Wiles and husband Gerald of Chebeague Island, her son Douglas E. Ross and wife Gina of Chebeague Island, along with six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Mary Ellen Webber and husband Harland of Chebeague Island, along with several nieces and nephews, and many cousins. She is predeceased by her husband, Lewis and their son, Stephen.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held Saturday July 11th 2009 at 11:00 am at the Chebeague Island Methodist Church, immediately followed by a committal service and reception. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Gerry can be given to the Stephen Ross Scholarship Fund, c/o the Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St. Ellsworth, ME 04605. Or send in care of Mabel Doughty, Treasurer, 23 Bennett Cove Road, Chebeague Island, ME 04017.