Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Bernice Idella Ambrose, 94, of Annapolis, MD on May 13, 2025.  She had had Lewy body dementia for eight years and was a resident at Sunrise of Annapolis.  She was born on June 25, 1930, to Harry and Alice Barron.  Bernice was the fourth of seven children.  Perhaps being the middle child helped shape her into the kind, loving, and dependable woman she became - one known for her strength, independence, and sharp sense of humor.

As a teenager, Bernice’s family relocated to a farm in Cabot, PA, where she met the love of her life, Andrew Ambrose, Jr.  Together, they raised two children, Cathryn and Dean.  Bernice was a devoted mother who rarely missed her children’s - and later her grandchildren’s - sports games, performances, and school events.  She lovingly served as a Brownie leader, Cub Scout leader, and Vacation Bible School teacher.  Her children always knew they could count on her unwavering support.

After Andrew’s passing in 1979, Bernice courageously supported herself by becoming a certified nursing assistant at Concordia Nursing Home in Cabot.  In 1987, she moved to Maryland to be closer to her daughter and continued her caregiving work at Crofton Convalescent Center.  Her innate kindness and compassion did not go unnoticed - one physician remarked the level of care she provided simply could not be taught.  In 1989, she was honored as an exemplary health care provider.

Upon retirement, Bernice became active in the Odenton Senior Center, participating in classes and enjoying many group trips.  She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, and solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  A lifelong animal lover, she provided a warm and loving home to many dogs and cats.  But her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, whose activities she continued to attend and support whenever possible.

Surviving are her daughter, Cathryn Kravitz (Frank, deceased) of Annapolis, her sister Dorothy McBride of Butler, her daughter-in-law Nancy Ambrose (Dean, deceased) of Parker, PA, three grandchildren:  Michael Kravitz (Natalie) of Leonardtown, MD, Andrew Ambrose of Butler, and Jessica Ambrose (Michael Beck) of Freedom, PA, two great-granddaughters:  McKenna Ambrose and Cora Beck, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Ambrose, Jr.; her son, Dean Ambrose; her parents; three brothers:  Manus, Tyler, and William Barron; and two sisters:  Alberta Ambrose and an infant sister.

Per her wishes, no services will be held in Maryland.  A graveside service for the family will be held this summer at St. Luke’s Lutheran Cemetery in Cabot, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047), the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, or the Butler County Humane Society.  


Bernice Idella Ambrose

Bernice Idella Ambrose

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