On April 29, 2021, Doreen Marie Ross (Walsh) of Edmonton Alberta passed away peacefully at the age of
71 years after her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She will forever be loved by her husband David and
cherished by her three children: Regan (Amy), Stephanie Davis (Jamie) and Danielle von Hertzberg (Eric).
Doreen was loved by her 8 remaining grandchildren; James, Michael and Jonny Ross, Ethan, Charlie and
Monica Davis, and Emma and Alana von Hertzberg and is likely playing with her granddaughter Gabrielle
Mae Ross who left us sadly in 2013. Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Della and Jim Walsh and
her granddaughter Gabrielle Mae Ross.
Doreen taught high school (O’Leary of Edmonton) and junior high (Vital Grandin and Vincent J. Maloney
of St. Albert). During her career she was a passionate teacher of science and phys-ed and was always
willing to coach, ref and organize tournaments. Students loved Doreen and fondly remember her labs
and pranks. She had a special ability to embrace the underdog students and provide them with a safe
space during the dreaded junior high lunch hours.
Doreen was infamous for her free spirit, jokes, and game play. She was often found gathering kids
together for organized games be it her kids and nieces/nephews, neighbourhood kids or her grandkids.
Doreen was a gifted musician playing cello, guitar and violin. She played cello in the U of A Jr. Symphony
while studying Phys Ed. Whether playing guitar or cello at church (Light of Christ Community), singing by
the campfire, or attending Folk Fest, Doreen's life was full of music which she passed on to all her
children and grandchildren.
Competitive was Doreen’s middle name. She founded Friars Volleyball Club and Edmonton Volleyball
Association with her husband David (both are now recognized in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame). She
loved being active and played competitively on a Tier 1 Friar Women’s Volleyball team well into
parenthood, as well as coached her children basketball, and played ladies league golf and competed for
Sturgeon Valley Golf Club for decades.
Doreen’s greatest passion was her family. She enriched our lives and loved us fiercely. Doreen lived life
fully and will be dearly missed, but her love of life has left its “footprint” on the lives of many.
The family will delay a celebration of life due to COVID restrictions. They would like to express their
gratitude to her family doctor, the nurses and doctors at Misericordia Hospital and Norwood Hospice
Care for their tireless work and efforts during these exceptional times. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the
family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and N.W.T.