Obituary of Mary Ross Lauder

Mary Ross Lauder, 92, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023. She passed surrounded by her loving family. Also known as May, she was the daughter of the late Margaret and John Forbes. Born and raised in Prestonpans, Scotland, May moved from Scotland to the United States when she was 22 years old with her late husband, John. May and John were happily married for 67 years. She worked at the Community General Hospital as Supervisor of Food Services for over 20 years and retired in 1990. May and John loved to travel across the United States and visit countries around the world. Proud of her heritage, she loved sharing stories about life in Scotland. She was an avid reader who loved to knit and bake and was an extraordinary cook. May and John loved to entertain. They opened their home to friends and family for late-night Scottish music, dancing, parties, and dinners. They would sit in their living room or back porch to play cards and talk for hours while enjoying a gin and tonic or Scottish Trifle. May loved and cherished her family. She spent most Saturday mornings fishing at Webster Duck Pond with her grandsons, before having afternoon BLTs in the back garden. Recently, May became a great-grandmother to Mia May, whom she enjoyed spending time holding, singing, and talking to with her granddaughter and son-in-law. May was a loving, caring grandmother, who always put her grandchildren first. May is survived by her daughter, Gale Cameron; grandchildren, Scott C. Cameron, Keith J. Cameron, Laurie A. (Nicholas) Salvetti; great-granddaughter, Mia May; brother, Duncan (Joan) Forbes; sisters, Jeanette and Shirley; and several nieces and nephews. May was preceded in death by her husband, John Lauder; parents, Margaret and John Forbes; son-in-law, Donald F. Cameron; and brothers, Harry, James, Robert, John (Jack), Billy, and Ronald Forbes.

A private memorial service will be held in Syracuse and in Scotland later.