Dora (Heinrich) Ross

Dora Ross, 97, died Sept. 5, 2020 in Houston, TX of cardiac arrest following a fall. Born in South Bend, IN, on May 28, 1923 Dora was the youngest of five. Her parents, Paul and Mary Josephine Heinrich each immigrated to the US from Austria prior to meeting one another. Dora was a smart eager student who graduated salutatorian of her high school.

Her dream was to go to fashion design college but finances didn't allow it. She became a secretary and worked for Alcoa Aluminum, Alcoa Steamship Co., and Alfred J. Moran's. She supplemented her income by teaching modelling school at night. Dora hated the cold Midwest winters and moved to New Orleans in the mid-1940's after attending a Notre Dame football game there and falling in love with the city, food, and warm weather. She met and married Richard W. (Dick) Ross in New Orleans. They had a son and daughter and together they raised them there.

Dora lived in New Orleans until 2019. Dora was incredibly creative and predicted fashion trends before they happened. She sewed beautiful clothes, mastered many crafts, cooked like a trained chef, and was an enthusiastic gardener. Her biggest passion was Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging which she embraced for half a century. Dora became a certified teacher of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and taught the art to many students until she was 93. She made lifelong friends through Ikebana and was awarded the "Key to the City of New Orleans" for her work and displays. Her boundless energy and saucy, sassy wit defined her. As a self-described "gypsy",

Dora loved to travel anywhere she could. Over the years her travels took her to Cuba, Mexico, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, Austria, and all over the Continental US. Dora struggled with some form of dementia her last few years but always remembered those closest to her and continued to light up a room with her movie star smile. When asked what her secret was for a long life she always replied "smiles and laughter".

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband, Richard W. (Dick) Ross.

Survived by son, Rick Ross, daughter, Sheila Ross and her husband, Jim Piccolo, nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.

Per Dora's wishes there will be no memorial services and she will be cremated. A celebration of life may be held in New Orleans at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dora's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or to the Pontchartrain Conservancy with your contribution directed to the New Canal Lighthouse (https://pontchartrainconservancy.networkforgood.com/).

Sources: Ancestry.com and Legacy.com

08/28/2024 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nola/name/dora-ross-obituary?id=2270387