Rhoda Ross

Rhoda Patricia Ross (née Westlake) (March 18, 1932 – May 4, 2026)

Peacefully at North Island Hospital, Comox Valley in her 94th year, on May 4, 2026.  Rhoda Patricia Westlake, beloved wife of the late John Murdoch Ross, and the late Alexander Winston Fraser.

Daughter of the late Thomas Westlake, Lachine, Quebec, (the family formerly of Devon, England), and the late Mary Graham, of Stornoway, Lewis, Scotland and Verdun, Quebec.

Rhoda was born and grew up in the Pointe St. Charles area of Montreal, Quebec. She attended Riverside Public School and Montreal High School for Girls. Her father was the owner of Westlake Tavern in the Pointe and he was locally renowned as a champion snowshoer and trap shooter. They spent summers at their cottage on the St. Lawrence River near Bainsville, Ontario.

In 1951 Rhoda married John Murdoch Ross, and she and John farmed and had a marina in the Curry Hill area of Bainsville, until illness took John in 1976.  They had five children: Lynn Ross (Garry Murdock), Beth Rees (Murray), Lyle Ross (Moira), the late Tom Ross (Laurie), and the late John (Murdie) Ross. Rhoda is also survived by her twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and she will be deeply missed by all.

In 1998, Rhoda married Alexander Winston Fraser of Lancaster, Ontario, and in 2000 they moved to Courtenay, BC to be near Rhoda’s daughters.  Over the years, Rhoda and Alex researched and published many genealogy books relating to the Glengarry, Ontario area.

In addition to her genealogy expertise, Rhoda was a talented artist, baker, gardener and she loved to travel and explore her Scottish heritage. Rhoda was known for her kindness, calm and strong nature, and quiet intelligence.

Rhoda’s family would like to acknowledge the many individuals who helped Rhoda navigate health issues in her final years. In particular, we want to thank Dr. Olga Lamykina for her many years of care. Also, Dr. Thomas, the staff at Superstore Pharmacy, the emergency room and palliative care staff at Comox Valley Hospital, and the many others who supported her care. We would also like to thank the staff and residents at Seniors Village for welcoming Rhoda for the brief time she was there.

Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be interred at St. Andrew’s United Church cemetery, Bainsville, Ontario at a later date.