GREECE - June 6, 2022. Jennie is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ted Ross; children, Patty (Mike) Keenahan, Ted (Lisa Varley-Ross) Ross; grandchildren, Meaghan Keenahan, Kerrie (David) Bell, Bradleigh Ross, Ashley (Josh) Ross-Colvin, Brandon Ross; 3 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.

Jennie's funeral mass will be celebrated, Friday, June 10, 2022, 9:30 AM at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd. She will be laid to rest in Falls Cemetery.


The Life Story of Jennie Ross

Jennie was born on August 20, 1931 in Schenectady, NY to parents Giuseppe and Giuseppina. Her parents had emigrated to America from Rotello, Italy aboard the Andre Doria. Giuseppina was a dedicated homemaker and Giuseppe was an employee of GE for 40 years. He also served our country in the US Army during WWI. Jennie had a religious upbringing in the Catholic faith, and their beliefs were a centerpiece of family life. Into adulthood, Jennie kept up with saying her daily prayers and rosary. She had a sister, Connie, too. They were very close - eventually growing up to raise families on the same street and vacation together.

When entering elementary school, Jennie spoke only Italian. She overcame this hurdle, mastered English, and went on to sing in the choir. After completing her education, Jennie worked briefly at a baseball factory, then as a stenographer for the US Army at the Schenectady General Depot from 1949-1956.

At a church dance one fateful day, Jennie met her future husband, Theron A. Ross, Jr. They married on June 6, 1953 and were together for 69 years. Their marriage was blessed by two children: Patty and Ted.

Jennie remained active in the church throughout her life, even cleaning the altar cloths for St. Lawrence Church. She was a Girl Scout Leader, bowling league member, and started a garden club with the neighborhood ladies. She was a fan of country music and soap operas. Jennie enjoyed cooking (especially meatballs) and spending time with the children and grandchildren she was so proud of. Although she hated airplanes and going swimming, she was an avid traveler/camper, too. Jennie took numerous voyages around the United States and Canada, including a 10-week trip to Alaska. The family's beloved dogs, Snoopy and Koko, traveled extensively, too, tagging along in Jennie and Theron's motorhome.

Those who knew Jennie will remember her as a compassionate, gentle, caring, "feisty little dynamo". She was always ready to cook for her family and spend time watching the afternoon soaps together. She would never be found without a tissue in her pocket or sleeve.

Jennie's family and faith meant the world to her. She endured the loss of her parents at a young age and the subsequent loss of her dear sister, too. These were some of the people who had the greatest impact on Jennie's life, and they helped shape the wonderful woman she was. Her children were her pride and are the legacy she leaves behind. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.