Obituaries

Alice O’Brien Ross, 48, died February 13, 2017 at Kindred Laurel Lake Nursing Home in Lee, MA, from complications of Huntington’s disease.

Alice was born on September 2, 1968, the sixth of Dr. David and Alice O’Brien’s seven children. Alice grew up in Oswego, NY and attended St. Mary’s School and Bishop Cunningham High School, from which she graduated in 1986.

Alice earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1990 and was an active member of the swim team at the U of R. After graduation, Alice moved to Boston where she worked at The Boston Company and where she met the love of her life, J. Eric Ross. Alice and Eric subsequently moved to California and they were married on February 17, 1996. Together they adopted their beloved dogs, Ruby and Romy, who became their treasured family. Alice worked at Hewlett Packard then left her business career to pursue her lifelong interest in helping others, earning a nursing degree from DeAnza College and working at San Jose Memorial Hospital in both the Emergency Room and the Neonatal Units.

Alice continued her interest in helping others even after she moved to Laurel Lake, where she fought her battle with Huntington’s. In her early years at Laurel Lake, Alice prided herself on befriending and helping the other residents of Laurel Lake who were also afflicted with Huntington’s. Alice was known to all and was loved by everyone with whom she interacted. She was a source of strength and inspiration for others who shared her battle and, in particular, those staff members who supported the Laurel Lake residents. Through her strong Christian faith, Alice continued her love for others and her brave battle right up until she passed.

Alice was predeceased by: her parents, Alice and David O’Brien; her sister, Diane Barry; and, her brothers, Michael O’Brien and David O’Brien.

Alice is survived by: her husband, Eric Ross; her sisters, Kathryn Caltabiano and Meghan Donaldson (Bruce); her brothers, Christopher O’Brien (Lily) and Protus Mayunga (Stephanie); her brothers-in-law Anthony Caltabiano and David Barry; and, her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she dearly loved.

Alice also leaves behind many dear friends, who supported her during her brave battle with Huntington’s.

Calling hours will be at Dain-Cullinan funeral home on Sunday February 19th from 3-6pm and a funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Monday February 20th at 11am, both in Oswego, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory may be made to the Hereditary Disease Foundation, 3960 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10032 or at cures@hdfoundation.org.