Nora Irene Ross' Obituary
Nora Irene Ross Holm1/10/1918 Â- 10/13/2003Our beloved mother passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, October 13, 2003. Her sudden death is believed to have been caused by the aneurysm she was diagnosed with several years ago. We are grateful that she went quickly and likely without pain in the comfort of her familiar surroundings.Nora was born in Tacoma, to Ivan and Jennie (Martinson) Ross. At the age of three, she lost her mother and younger brother to tuberculosis. Ivan later married Flora MacLaine. Ivan and Flora started a family business, The Ross Florist, and they gave Nora and sister Viola a brother, Kenneth. Nora attended Horace Mann Elementary, Stewart Junior High, and Lincoln High School. She helped in the florist, learned to play the accordion, double-dated with her sister Vi, and became an accomplished roller skater. She met her husband, Andy, at a skating rink where he was an instructor. They married on October 12, 1940. They had two children, Jennice and Larry.For many years Nora was a stay at home mom, volunteering for school activities, leading parent organizations, and shuttling her kids and their friends to their various lessons and activities. She was awarded the Golden Acorn award in tribute to her work with the PTA at Whitman Elementary. When she decided to seek employment she started at WoolworthÂ's in downtown Tacoma, where she eventually became manager of the hardware department and where she made many close and life-long friends. In 1967 the Tacoma Mall opened with Nora as the manager of Toys Galore. She retired in 1984. Nora joined the Eastern Star in 1985 and remained active in many aspects of the organization until, literally, the day she died. She was passionate about her involvement in all aspects of Eastern Star and developed relationships with many in the Puget Sound region. Throughout her life, Nora enjoyed traveling with her family and with friends. Highlights include a trip throughout the United States with the Beals when she was a teen; travels to Wyoming with her dad; the driving trip to Minnesota that included lightning storms and tornadoes; exploring the western states with her son and daughter; excursions to Hawaii; and countless camping trips in the Puget Sound area with the Ross clan. She loved working in her garden, and relished having help from her son and grandsons when she could not longer attend to it. Nora was a huge fan of the Mariners and Seahawks (you could have heard her cheering if you drove by her house during games!). Nora was an avid reader, did crossword puzzles daily, and regularly sewed and did crafts with her Easter Star friends. For the past several years she had season tickets to the Tacoma Little Theater. Her volunteer work throughout her life is well known. Nora was Worthy Matron of Cedar Chapter of Easter Star 1989-1990; she belonged to the Secretary-Treasure Club for Pierce and Thurston Co. of the Masonic Order. She was a member of the Pierce County Past Matron and Past Patrons Association, and she belonged to the 1918 club.Anyone who knew Nora recognized her zest for life. She cajoled her son and nephew to give her an occasional ride on their Harleys. (If they rode them, by god, so would she.) She was always a Â"straight shooterÂ" but rarely judgmental (everyone who was close to her recognizes the magnitude of this). If you frequented her home you knew that she made the best chocolate chip cookies in town. She loved butterflies and they were represented throughout her home and garden. She also loved to dance and did so throughout her life. Nora was a people person, a giver, a gift to all of us lucky to have crossed paths with her in some way. Nora was preceded in death by her mother and father, sister Viola, her brother Kenneth, and her husband Andy. She is survived by her daughter Jennice and son-in-law Howard, son Larry and daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Robyn Steckler, Careene Wachter (husband Brad), Ivan Holm, Max King, Katie and Jeff Lewis, and great-grandchildren, Sierra Steckler and Jocelyn Wachter, and by nieces, nephews, relatives, and MANY friends.Jennice and Larry celebrate the best cheerleader, the biggest supporter, the most fervent fan, and the greatest nurturer anyone could hope for. She was always there Â- through all of our antics Â- never wavering and always loving us unconditionally. Our hearts are full from her presence and pained by her absence.We invite you to celebrate NoraÂ's life at a memorial service at 11:00 am on Monday, October 20, 2003 in the Mt. View Valley Chapel. A reception will follow in the Willow Room in the Celebration of Life Building. If you choose, memorial donations may be made to the Easter Star Charities in c/o Cedar Chapter at Royal A Gove Lodge, 3736 South Sheridan Ave., Tacoma, 98418, or the charity of your choice.
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