It is with profound sadness that we announce that Beatrice Christina Ross (Keenan) passed peacefully to eternal life on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in her 91st year, after a beautiful journey well-lived.

She is predeceased by her parents Harry Keenan and Mary Sweeney, and her cherished husband, James Ross, to whom she was married for over 31 years.

Bea will be missed by her sisters, Evelyn Catterson (Dr. Alistair), Monica Jurosky, Joan Kenny, her many nieces and nephews and their children, and her countless friends.

A woman of faith, a philanthropist, successful businesswoman, active community supporter, volunteer, and political organizer, Bea lived with dignity and grace her whole life, which began on September 24, 1934 in Johnville, New Brunswick.

She moved to Ottawa in 1954 to begin a highly successful 36-year career with Bell Canada.

Bea caught the political bug and was first involved in federal politics during the 1957 election, and she never looked back. Her unparalleled political instincts served the Liberal Party for over 65 years. Her impeccable, sage advice and organizational skills helped the Young Liberals, the National Executive of the Party, and twelve national conventions. With her support, many leaders were elected at all political levels, including prime ministers, premiers and local candidates in the Ottawa area. Her contribution to the political world was recognized by many distinguished volunteer awards.

A trailblazer in both business and politics, she was also the most generous of spirits and the warmest, kindest of souls. Bea would help anyone who needed it and she had a zest for life that was infectious, as was her curiosity about the world around her. Bea enjoyed discussing politics of all kinds, and particularly enjoyed doing so at the Rideau Club and the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. She was a long-time member of both clubs.

Bea embraced all challenges with enthusiasm and determination, motivating everyone around her and her energy knew no limits. She was a founding member of the Canada's Capital Convention and Tourist Bureau and provided outstanding leadership on many other boards, including the National Capital Commission and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. She was a Dame in the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. She was also past president of the Pilot Club of Ottawa, an international service club for business and professional women and helped L'Arche development in Ottawa. A talented organist, Bea volunteered for over ten years at the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre, playing for Sunday Mass and volunteering her time for funerals and memorial services.

Her generosity was boundless and recognized by many awards, including the Leading Women Building Communities Recognition Award, for demonstrating exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in the community. She was awarded the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals and, most recently, the King Charles III Coronation medal, for making the world a better place.

Beatrice did indeed make the world a better place, and she will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Patrick, 220 Kent Street, Ottawa, on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., Reverend Patrick M. Dobec presiding.

A Graveside service and Interment will be held on Wednesday July 16, 2025, at Calvary Cemetery, Woodstock, New Brunswick at 2PM.

A reception will follow.