Obituary of Joan Winnifred Ross

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joan Winnifred (Spragg) Ross, wife of the late Irason (Curly) Ross share the news of her passing on June 23, 2025 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.  Born in Saint John NB on July 16 1932, she was the daughter of the late Georgie (King) Spragg. 

She died as she lived, with strength, tenacity and great courage.

Joan was well known for many things; her love of her family, her love of her Lord Jesus Christ, her kindness, her tremendous sense of humour, and her generous spirit - always striving to help others in any way she could. She was also known for her strong work ethic, her desire to provide advice (both solicited and unsolicited), her boundless energy, and her talents in the kitchen, as a quilter, and as a painter.   Joan also loved to sew and her talents included making clothes for all of her kids, curtains and all kinds of household items, not to mention doll and barbie clothes galore!  Nothing made her happier than seeing her coldroom full of mason jars lined up in precision lines with her beets, pickles, jams and jellies from the bountiful garden she and Curly grew each year.

She loved her Douglas home on the Carlisle Road and the many friends she had in Douglas – in particular at the Douglas Baptist Church of which she was a longtime member and where she was a long and loyal member of the WMS (Women’s Missionary Society), a Sunday School Teacher, and an active participant with the Forever Young Seniors Group.  She was always willing to lead a bible study, read scripture, share a humorous story, or give a devotional – and nobody made a church ‘lunch’ like Joan with her famous egg and tomato sandwiches or her cowboy beans and brown bread.  She also treasured the years spent on Reynolds Street and the many friends she made there, and she was content in her final years at Shannex where she continued with her ability to make friends wherever she went.

Her favourite things shared with Curly in later life were camping (at Green Hill Lake Camp or at her beloved Mick Mack Trailer Club), square dancing with the Elm Tree Squares, bowling, playing card games with friends, and their many church activities.

Joan retired from working in food service after many years, both before and after raising her family. Her final position, that she was so proud of, was as cafeteria manager at the Brookside Mall KMart – she often commented how she couldn’t imagine that she was able to be in a leadership position with a grade 8 education.  But anyone who knew her – knew she had wisdom and talents well beyond the education that was cut short by the need to support herself and help her family.  Over the years, she also nurtured other children looking after them in her home where she loved them just like her own! Joan also spent many years working at the Cotton Mill in Marysville after she and Curly moved there when he began his position at Base Gagetown.

On October 28, 1949, Joan married the love of her life Irason (Curly) Ross after he moved to Saint John from Cape Sable Island, NS. They had a wonderful and happy life together celebrating their 66th year of marriage in 2015 before his passing in April 2016.  The void that was left in her heart over the 9 years since the passing of her best friend was never filled, but she took comfort in the knowledge he was with his Lord and Saviour and that she would join him there someday.  She missed him every single day.  Their example of a wonderful marriage full of love, happiness, support and kindness was one to be cherished.

Joan is mourned by her daughters, Glenna Ross-Upton (Brian) of Keswick Ridge, NB and Krista Ross of Fredericton, NB; her sons, Gary (Lynne) of Winnipeg, MB and Kent (Michelle) of Fredericton, NB; four grandchildren, Joanne (Craig), Joel (Nancy), Jaala (Kevin) and Rachel, (Evan); three step grandchildren; along with many many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister Velma Attoe along with sisters in law Linda (Robert) Swim and Valda (Stanley) Justason, many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to her beloved husband Curly, Joan was predeceased by her Mother Georgie, her sisters Louisa and Sophia, her brother Joey, her infant brother Arthur, and her dear grandson Jonathan.

Thanks to the Shannex Parkland family for the care they provided to Joan in her last three years. The family also wishes to thank the kind team of 4E at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital for their gentle and compassionate care in Joan’s final days. 

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton on Thursday June 26 from 1 to 3pm, and 6 to 8 pm. A private memorial service and burial for family will be held at York Funeral Home and the Dayton Cemetery with Rev. Peter Moore officiating. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Douglas Baptist Church, or to the Ross Family Fund at the Fredericton Community Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com