Ambrose, Mary (1917 - 2005)
BusinesswomanMary Ambrose, 88, of Ringtown, ended her long journey with Alzheimer's disease Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005 at Broad Mountain Manor, Frackville.
She was affectionately cared or there by the staff of Second East for the past five years.
Mary was born near Brownsville, April 12, 1917, the daughter of the late Alexander and Ann (Dubiansky) Blaschak, who were charter members of St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church.
She moved with her family to Shenandoah when their house was condemned to make way for mining operations and turn to a farm in Pattersonville when her father's poor health made it impossible for him to continue mine work.
Mary graduated from Cunningham Township High School, Aristes, in 1935, where despite being only 5 feet tall, she was a guard on the girls' varsity basketball team. She received a diploma from the Thompson Business College.
She served three years in the Women's Army Corps and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1945.
She was married in 1946 to James H. Ambrose. They raised five children in Ringtown and worked together with Harry Ambrose to found and operate Ringtown Farm Equipment.
The business is still owned by his son, James W. Ambrose.
Mary also worked in the office at Blaschak Brothers Coal Co. with her brothers, Walter, Anthony and John Blaschak, all deceased; and their children. She was a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and an active member of the St. Mary's Sodality, Ringtown American Legion Auxiliary and the Ringtown Lioness Club.
She is survived by her loving children by birth and marriage: Shirley and Howard Trauger, Philadelphia; James and Mary Beth Ambrose, Ringtown; Marie and Stanley Piaskowski, Ringtown; Ann and Joseph 0'Boyle, Zion Grove; and Alexander Ambrose, Zion Grove.
Surviving grandchildren are Katie Ambrose, Stan Piaskowski, Aaron Piaskowski, Michael Piaskowski, Jeff Ambrose, Katherine 0'Boyle, Jennifer 0'Boyle, Bill Trauger, Brenda Piaskowski and Terrance 0'Boyle, and a great-grand-daughter, Makenna Piaskowski.
Even when words no longer came, she was generous with her smile. Her warmth, kindness and affectionate spirit were treasures to her family.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m. from the Oravitz Home for Funerals Inc., 40 N. Jardin St., Shenandoah, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's R.C. Church, Ringtown.
The Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Potts. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the Ringtown Northern Valley Medical Center.
Source: Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Nov. 11, 2005.