Dorothy Ross

Dorothy Evelyn "Dottie" Ross (née Ambrose), a vibrant and adventurous spirit whose zest for life touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, in Brea, California. She was 94 years old.

Born on February 21, 1931, in Salem, Massachusetts, Dottie grew up in nearby Beverly and graduated from Beverly High School. Her early years were marked by curiosity and energy-qualities that would define her throughout her life. She later pursued further education through Real Estate School and the Real Estate Brokers Association, eventually founding and operating Brass Key Realty in Raymond, New Hampshire.

Dottie's career path was as dynamic as she was. From selling Avon and demonstrating Copper to becoming a District Manager who earned a trip to Spain, she embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. She wanted to become a singer and won a gig to sing at a local nightclub. Her parents refused to let her accept the prize because they didn't think a nightclub was a proper place for their daughter. During a Sylvania Company talent show she portrayed Paul McCartney, and when the audio cut out, she continued to sing "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" acapella and became the hit of the evening bringing the house down! Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to cake decorating and wedding cake sales before she pivoted to real estate-a field in which she thrived. After earning her broker's license, she opened her own office, employing several agents while simultaneously caring for her aging parents and husband.

Her life was filled with unforgettable moments-some humorous, like the time she and her daughter Carol accidentally toured an occupied home due to a misplaced real estate sign while house hunting in California. Others were deeply meaningful, such as rebuilding a historic Sea Captain's home with her husband Jim in Beverly, Massachusetts. That home later became iconic enough to be featured on a city postcard.

Dottie's love of life extended well beyond her professional accomplishments. She was an avid dancer who grew up practicing with her friend, Alvin Mitchell of Mitchell's Dance Studio. She taught dance to her husband Jim and friend Al Eastman-surprising many who had never seen Jim dance before. Her home was a hub of activity: neighborhood kids gathered for talent shows, BBQs, birthday parties, and nearly every holiday celebration.

She gave generously of her time and talents-leading the largest active Girl Scout troop in the city, driving for the Boy Scouts, delivering Sunday papers with her son to help fund his college education, and teaching basic Spanish to her children. She encouraged creativity and independence in her children, letting them dig in the dirt with sterling silverware or roller skate indoors during winter months.

Dottie's hobbies were as varied as they were impressive: she bred poodles and learned to groom them herself; knitted, crocheted, made porcelain dolls; played cards and cribbage; cooked elaborate meals; decorated cakes; went camping; ice skated; roller skated; sailed; rowed; rode motorboats; attended Essex Aggie to learn slipcover making; and even considered buying a Wilton Cake Shop before turning to real estate.

After the passing of her beloved husband Jim, Dottie relocated with her mother to Florida to be near her son James Bennet Ross III and daughter-in-law Dr. Jennifer James Ross. She was present for the birth of both of her grandchildren-Evan James Ross and Dr. Meredith Morgan Ross-and cherished every moment spent with them. She delighted in teaching them playful phrases like "Who me? I've never seen you before in my life!" that reflected her mischievous sense of humor.

Later in life, Dottie moved cross-country once more to California where she lived with her daughter Carol Jean Ross for 25 years. There she embraced new adventures as a concertgoer, theater enthusiast, and even served as a Mystery Shopper at Disneyland. Her passion for learning never waned-she remained curious, engaged, and full of joy until the very end.

Dottie is lovingly remembered by her children: James Bennet Ross III (Tallahassee, FL) and Carol Jean Ross (Brea, CA); daughter-in-law Dr. Jennifer James Ross (Tallahassee, FL); grandchildren Evan James Ross (Tallahassee, FL) and Dr. Meredith Morgan Ross with husband Tim Colletti (Denver, CO) her nephew, Frankie & his wife, Kathy Fielding of Rowley, MA; as well as close family friends Linda Riddle Persi and Larry Duran. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert Austin Ambrose and Ethel Francis Ambrose; her beloved husband James Bennet Ross Jr.; sisters Ethel Frances Ambrose Liacos and Mary Alice Ambrose Fielding; and brother Herbert Austin Ambrose Jr.

Dottie's legacy is one of boundless energy, deep compassion, unwavering resilience, and joyful spontaneity. She had an innate ability to make people feel heard and valued-always ready with a listening ear or a quick-witted remark that could light up any room.

Burial will be private in Massachusetts. Time and date have yet to be determined by the family.

May Dorothy Evelyn "Dottie" Ross be remembered always for the laughter she shared, the lives she touched, and the love she gave so freely.