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NIKITA TEJAY ROSS
Born: Aug 26, 1968
Date of Passing: Mar 08, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryNIKITA TEJAY ROSS
After suffering through a multiyear ordeal of early onset dementia, Nikita Tejay Ross has finally been freed from this vile and relentless illness and is now in a far more forgiving place. ‘Niki’ is survived by her mother, Shirley Neault and her husband Andrew Ross; both of whom absolutely adored her. The world is a little greyer without her infectious laughter and radiant, recurring smile.
Niki was born in Winnipeg and spent much of her younger life around St. Boniface and with grandparents in Cook’s Creek, MB. She was a decent track and field athlete in school and had an affinity for artsy projects: painting, in particular. This creative streak further progressed to dressmaking and sewing. Niki’s skills advanced to a level whereby she was professionally recognized via dressmaking and design diplomas. In her late teens, Niki’s attractive exterior also allowed her to model briefly.
Married at a young age (in a dress that she made herself), Niki’s subsequent years are captured in photos showing cheerful gatherings with family and friends. Starting primarily in retail sales, Niki later worked in administrative accounting roles at various companies. She always pulled her weight in the world in endeavoring to be employed.
Becoming single again in 2008, it was just after this time that she and Andrew began ogling each other. Their chemistry was immediate. Niki and Andrew became close to inseparable and were living together within two months. They never looked back.
Niki continued with her earlier interests, but Andrew now had a partner to accompany him on wilderness travel. Snowmobiling, road trip vacations, mountain hiking, and camping became consistent events. But it was wilderness canoeing that truly proved that Andrew and Niki were meant to be. Both learned the rewards of intense toil and effort as they portaged through mud, heat, bugs and cold seeking out the next body of water on the map. The reward was one’s own lake to camp on, outstanding vistas, unencumbered sunsets and the observation of wildlife in settings that few get to see.
Andrew proposed to Nikita on a canoe trip two days paddle from any egress point. They were married in 2012 on a trip to Las Vegas. In the years to follow, they additionally enjoyed time at West Hawk Lake, attending concerts, and pursuing their outdoor interests.
A cruel hand of fate interrupted this perfect life when Nikita was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2021 after several years of unpredictable and uncharacteristic behavior. As she would have done for him, Andrew set about caring for and advocating for Nikita in the difficult years to follow. After years of seemingly glacially paced but consistently metronomic decline, Nikita Tejay Ross succumbed to her illness at the far too early age of 57.
Andrew would especially like to thank: All staff no matter the role at Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville, MB, Beth Helliar of the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, anyone involved with the ASM early onset dementia support group, Reliable Home Care Agency, Dr. Carly Jill Scramstad, Laurel Mitchell of Southern Health, Rich Malusic and the gang at Sign World, Mike Dickson and any and all who enquired into Nikita’s status over the years.
Cremation has taken place. There will not be a service, but anyone interested is invited to review a photo-biography of Nikita through the ‘Tributes’ link below.
Nikita, you were the love of my life, and I pray that we will meet again. You will always be ‘my baby’.
“On the hard days, we must remember; grief is not a burden – it is love refusing to let go.” - Jameson Arasi
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2026
