Octavia Ross, a 40-year educator on St. Croix, died Monday morning after a brief time at the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital.
Ross is the mother of Rupert Ross Jr., island administrator for Gov. Charles Turnbull. The governor expressed shock and sadness to news of the passing of Octavia Ross, the granddaughter of noted Virgin Islands educator Emanuel Benjamin Oliver.
"Mrs. Ross made a significant contribution to the people of the Virgin Islands, not only for a 40 year distinguished career as an educator in her own right, but by the contribution of her offspring," said Turnbull.
Octavia Ross, who was recognized as Woman of the Year in 1978, was married to Rupert W. Ross Sr. They had seven children together: Rupert W. Ross Jr.; Territorial Court Judge Edgar Ross; Jewel Ross Brathwaite, principal of Eulalie Rivera Elementary School; James Ross; Lt. Col. Janice Ross Grant; Raymond Ross and Edward Ross.
"Her offspring have made and continue to make significant contributions to the territory in many important fields of endeavor," Turnbull said.
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II also sent his condolences to the Ross family. He said Rupert and Edgar were his teachers at Christiansted Junior High School in 1965-66, and he served in the 20th Legislature with Judge Ross.
"Mrs. Ross was a dedicated educator, whose last position before here retirement was principal of the Evelyn Williams School. It is evident that she was a caring, compassionate lady who reared her own children, and cared for the children she taught with love and integrity," James said.
