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Hope Ross-Papezik
Born July 4, 1925, died July 29, 2023
Hope was a beautiful woman—refined, elegant, cultured—and loved anyone who came from Montreal West or graduated from Queen’s University and McGill University. She lived a life of enthusiastic sociality alongside high moral standards, discipline, and meticulous organization. She loved parties, art galleries, performances, concerts, luncheons, and dinners on the verandah of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club, fine clothes (none of which she ever threw out), cruises with friends. Her vibrancy and enthusiasm for life only increased with the years, peaking in her 80s. Childless herself, she kept in close contact with many of her 15 nieces and nephews, creating gatherings that drew them together. She was humble about her own intelligence. In some ways she was a creature of contradictions: frugal on the one hand (it bothered her to throw out the waxed-paper sleeve in a cereal box) and a lavish spender on the other, ordering up quality clothes and expensive parties. Her household was beautifully organized and pleasant to be in. She loved people, was thoughtful of others, and intensely interested in their lives.
Hope was born in Montreal West, the fourth child of Rev. Dr. Andrew Smith Ross and Christina Armitage Ross, his wife. A graduate of Trafalgar School for girls in Montreal, she earned a B.A. from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Social Work from McGill, and a secondary school teaching diploma.
In 1961 she married Vladimir Stephen Papezik and moved with him to St. John’s, Nfld, where he was a Professor of Geology at Memorial University. She lived there for 30 years and taught for 20 of those in the Department of English at Memorial, retiring as an Associate Professor. During these years, she and Steve travelled widely, returning frequently to Italy. These years proved to be the great experience of her life.
On retirement she settled in Ottawa where she enjoyed many years of golf at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. She was a lifelong active member of the United Church of Canada and from her time in St. John’s, of the Canadian Federation of University Women. For 11 years in Ottawa, she participated in the National Gallery Program “Looking at Pictures” for school children. Her interest in supporting post-secondary education led her to contribute a scholarship in Steve’s name to Memorial University and a scholarship for a returning female student at Queen’s University.
Hope was predeceased by her beloved husband in 1984, and by her parents, siblings, and nephew Ian, and is survived by her brother-in-law Milon Sr., many nieces and nephews, namely: Carol Anne, Basil, Ross, Grace, Helen Claire, Donna, Marjorie, Dugie, Andrew, Heidi, Kristina, Michael, Petr, Milon; and by many good friends, including Karen, Della, Betty, Peggy, Alison, Eleanor.
A memorial service for Hope will be held at Rockcliffe Retirement Residence, 100 Island Lodge Rd., Ottawa on Thursday, September 14th at 10 am with a reception to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Home, Ottawa.
Saturday July 29th 2023
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
death notice Hope Ross-Papezik Saturday July 29th 2023
obituaries notice Hope Ross-Papezik Saturday July 29th 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Hope Ross-Papezik Saturday July 29th 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
