Margaret Ann Ross

Margaret Ann Ross Ross, Margaret Ann age 58 of Plymouth, April 2, 2009. Loving wife of Jim Ollar. Predeceased by her former husband Robert D. McKay. Beloved daughter of Rita and the late Hugh Ross. Dear sister of William (Beverly), Rita, James, Hugh (Susan) and Thomas (Lisa). Dear step-mother of Kyle and Bryan Ollar. Also survived by her nieces, Jennifer Perry and Julia Ross, nephews, James Perry (Stacie), Robert Ross (Antonette), Brian Giuffre, Jonathan Ross (Melina), Michael Ross, and Aidan Ross and great-nieces, Corinne Perry and Charlotte Perry and great-nephews Alexander Perry, Anthony Ross and Dominic Ross. Margaret was born in Detroit and lived in the southeast Michigan area her entire life surrounded by a large extended family and many colleagues and friends she cherished. She had a soft voice and a radiant smile. She was always a kind, caring person and fun to be with at work or at play. Margaret graduated from Nativity High School in Detroit in 1968. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at the University of Detroit in 1972. She immediately began teaching English and French at Southfield Lathrup High School. Margaret's intelligence and curiosity led her to become an early innovator and she developed the English as a Second Language Curriculum at her school in 1973. Margaret earned a Master of Teaching in Reading in 1975 and Special Education in 1981. She continued her studies at Wayne State University earning a Master of Science in Library Sciences in 1993. Margaret retired after 31 years of teaching. Margaret loved to learn, travel and explore. She went on planes, trains, ships, buses, cars, and even horses. She visited France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, England, Scotland, Ireland, China, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, numerous tropical islands, and Argentina. Her goal was to visit all 50 states of her beloved country and she almost made it. Music has been important to Margaret. During high school she performed in the musical productions "Oklahoma" and "West Side Story." She studied classical piano for twenty years and has been a supporter of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra even longer. Margaret has been dancing her entire life. First on top of her daddy's feet and then she studied tap. About 15 years ago, Margaret began to study ballroom dancing. She said, "Dancing is sublime for the mind and heart." She developed many wonderful friendships and became an accomplished ballroom dancer, having received numerous awards. The family will gather with friends Saturday at 10 AM and they will celebrate her life at an 11 AM memorial service at Vermeulen Funeral Home, 46401 W Ann Arbor Rd (3 1/2 miles W of I-275) Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Development Department, 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201; or Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. To share memories, please use the condolence link on this page

Margaret Ann Ross

April 8, 1950 - April 2, 2009