Katherine Ross, 96, a resident of Asbury Heights, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She was born in Ellicott City, MD on April 8, 1926, the much-loved daughter of Herbert C. Brown and Elizabeth “Libby” M. Brown (Burritt). Kitty graduated from Ellicott City High School in 1943 and Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1948. During WWII, Kitty briefly worked as a proof reader for Glen L. Martin in Baltimore. She developed a love of crossword puzzles at Martin, as the job provided the time and privacy to do so.
After college, Kitty taught in Baltimore, then became a Professional Girl Scout in Watertown, CT. There, she and Don, a math teacher, had a whirlwind courtship, marrying on September 5th, 1953. They settled in Rochester, NY, Don’s home town. Don taught at (West) Irondequoit High School most of his career and Kitty taught kindergarten and second grade in the East Irondequoit public schools. Kitty often played ukulele to her classes, her most famous song being “It is Clean Up Time”. Together they had two lovely daughters, two dogs and three cats. The Ross family spent many wonderful summers in Ogunquit, ME (teachers can do that). In 1982, Kitty and Don retired at a young age and moved to Moody, ME.
Sick of the Northeast’s winters, Kitty and Don moved to Venice, FL in 1985, and continued to spend summers in Moody. Next to having their two lovely daughters, moving to Venice was the best thing they ever did. While Don played tennis, Kitty rode a trike, often with their dog Pal in the back seat.
They moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2012 to be closer to family when Don’s health took a turn. Don died in 2014. They were married 61 years.
Kitty was a proud Democrat. She loved jazz music from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. She eventually persuaded Don to become both a democrat and a jazz lover. They enjoyed countless jazz cruises before and after retirement. Kitty loved animals (how could you not with the name “Kitty”?). She was a proud member of AAUW Delta Kappa Gamma. She grew up a Lutheran, and attended American Baptist, Presbyterian, and Unitarian Universalist churches at various times in her life.
In addition to her parents and Don, Kitty was preceded in death by her brother Herbert B. Brown, Chadds Ford, PA, in 1984. Kitty is survived daughters Peggy Thompson (Carl), Pittsburgh, PA, and Susan Ross, Lowell, MA; grandsons Ben Thompson (Rebecca) and Bryan Thompson (Mary) both of Pittsburgh, PA; three great great-grandchildren (Jacob, William, and Ruth), niece Carol Gwara, Rochester, NY and nephews David Ross (Justine), North Andover, MA, Herb Brown (Susie), Johns Island, SC, and Dan Ross (Alice) of Maine. Kitty’s memorial service will be held in the fall.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kitty’s memory to the ASPCA
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