We are saddened to announce the passing of Maureen Joy Ross on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at the age of 83.

Maureen was born on October 19, 1942, the second child to Dave and Sophia Ross and sister to Allan Ross. Maureen grew up in Spirit River, where she attended school. She had a happy childhood with her brother, Al, who loved to tease her but was also her fiercest protector. In her late teens, Maureen moved to Edmonton, where she attended Grant MacEwan University, completing a secretarial course. She was hired by Western Supply Plumbing in Edmonton and worked there for six years.

Wanting to see more of the world, Maureen and two of her girlfriends went to England for three years, where she worked for Cummins. She was able to travel around England and Scotland, where she met some of the Ross clan. This exploration cemented a lifelong love of art and literature, as well as travel.

Maureen eventually returned to Canada and completed classes she needed for entrance into post-secondary education in Fairview. She continued her education at the University of Alberta, where she obtained her teaching degree with a master’s in English. Maureen remained in Edmonton and started her career with the Catholic School Board. She designed English study guides and developed curriculums for over ten years.

During her time in Edmonton, Maureen decided to open Western Flair Ladies Wear. For a brief period, the store was located in the West Edmonton Mall and afterward, in Calgary, when Maureen relocated. While purchasing clothing from wholesale markets, she realized there was a limited amount of western wear for women, which spurred her to design her own line. In November 1985, Maureen and her brother Al made the first trip to Hong Kong with her design sketches. They knew a local from Spirit River, Manny Perra, who was in Hong Kong on a buying trip. With his help, Maureen was able to get valuable information to help her deal with local clothing manufacturers. She made numerous trips back and forth. Maureen successfully ran her store and made many friends during her years in Calgary. She also had a fondness for Ranchman’s.

After some time, Maureen chose to move back to Spirit River to be closer to her parents. She continued with her clothing store, Western Flair, and expanded into workwear.

Hockey was Maureen’s favorite sport. She was an avid Oilers fan and lent her skills to the Spirit River Senior Rangers hockey club by acting as their treasurer for several years and supporting her great-nieces and nephews in minor hockey. For a short while, she also sat on the library board.

Later on, Maureen took the chance to sell the Western Flair building to Fields, looking to retirement on the horizon. Time was well spent with longtime friends, Patty and Wendy, at Sylvan Lake during the summers and the community in Desert Hot Springs in the colder months.

Maureen took the opportunity to travel back to Mexico, a country that had held her heart since her first visits there in the 70s. In February of 2007, she purchased a condo in Puerto Vallarta. She made many trips and, for the first few years, took her mom Sophia with her. They truly enjoyed the warm weather and Mexican hospitality. In October 2017, Maureen left for an extended stay in Puerto Vallarta and shortly after, met John. They married a few years later. She was happy sitting on their sunny patio with her cat on her lap and John doing all the cooking.

Maureen is survived by her brother, Allan Ross; nephews Warren (Goldie) Ross and Brad (Everdien) Ross; niece Stacy (Matthew) Packard; as well as numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private burial at a later date.