Ursula Auguste Smith Ross 1949 – 2026

STANDISH — Ursula Auguste Smith Ross passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with her family by her side.

Ursula was born on March 11, 1949, in Oberursel am Taunus, Germany, to the late SFC William E. Smith, United States Army, retired, and the late Anna Louise Engelhardt Smith. She moved to the United States with her parents in 1952 and grew up as an Army daughter at several posts throughout the United States until her father’s retirement from active-duty service in 1963. The family then settled in Portland, Maine, where Ursula continued her education and upbringing.

Ursula devoted herself to her family as a full-time homemaker, and her children remembered with gratitude the care, attention, and dedication she gave them throughout their lives. During the 1970s, she was active in the Portland Parent Teachers Organization and served on the building committee that oversaw the establishment of Riverton Elementary School, now Gerald E. Talbot Elementary School, in Portland. She was also active in the Portland Democratic Party, hosting fundraisers for candidates at her home and helping with get-out-the-vote efforts throughout the city. She considered that work both meaningful and patriotic.

Ursula will be remembered for her outgoing personality, warm sense of humor, and willingness to listen to anyone who needed a caring ear. She faced illness with courage and determination, fighting lupus for three years before entering remission and later confronting breast cancer in 1991, which she overcame after surgery and rigorous treatment. Her resilience, lifelong love of learning, and cheerful outlook contributed to the fullness of her years. In the end, she passed from complications related to dementia and diabetes.

Ursula was predeceased by her former husband, Daniel Edward Ross, in 2008; her youngest son, Matthew David Ross, in 2007; her brother, William F. Smith, in 2012; and her sister, Marie Smith, in 1980. She is survived by her sons, A. James Ross and his wife, Gerry, of Windham, and Daniel Edward Ross II of Westbrook, as well as Stacy, Daniel’s former wife, of Windham. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marie Ross of Biddeford, Tristin Ross of Scarborough, and Kelly Clough Alden of Gorham. Her great-grandchildren, Matthew David Ross II, Eva Alden, and Lucas Alden; and her youngest sibling, Edward B. Smith of Standish, with whom she resided. Ursula also cherished the company and care of her sister-in-law, Darlene Smith, wife of her late brother Bill, who was with her at the time of her passing.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Southern Maine – Gosnell House for its compassionate in-home hospice care. Special thanks are offered to Uncle Ed for caring for mom for several years and seeing to her needs when she needed support the most.

A celebration of Ursula’s life will be held on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/. Arrangements are by Dolby Blais and Segee of Windham.