Irene Mary (de Paiva) Ambrose

It is with sadness that the family of Irene Ambrose announce her passing on Monday, June 23 at her home in Salmon Arm surrounded by her family.

Born in Winnipeg, MB on August 11, 1931 to Ernest and Mary de Paiva, Irene had a vivacious spirit, a sharp wit and was known as a social butterfly.  She loved spending time with her friends and was often in trouble for talking too much in school.  After completing high school, she moved to Toronto where she shared an apartment with her best buddies and enjoyed living as a young adult to the absolute fullest. 

Irene met her husband Stuart in Winnipeg and were married on July 16,1955 and they would go on to have four children.  Stu’s military career led the family on many adventures that took them all over the country and overseas, including; Vancouver, B.C, Comox, .B.C, Zweibrucken, Germany, Moose Jaw, SK., Brandon, MB. and Medicine Hat, AB. before the family finally settled in Sicamous, B.C. in 1974.  During their time in Sicamous, Stu and Irene owned and operated the Husky House Restaurant then went on to build and operate the Turbo gas station before establishing Sicamous Cedar Products.  Irene also worked at the Eagle Valley News.  Irene and Stu shared a passion for travel, spending many winters in Arizona and enjoying the company of friends and family along the way.

Irene’s warmth, sense of humour, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Her home was always open, and her table always had room for one more.

Irene was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Mary de Paiva, her brothers Harold and George, her husband Stuart Ambrose and son, Stephen Ambrose.  She will be lovingly remembered by her sons David Ambrose, Doug Ambrose, daughter Kelly (Gary) Stone and granddaughters Jennifer Stone (Elliott Manum) and Wendy Stone (Andrew Carleton).  She is also fondly remembered by her extended family, including many nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives she touched over the years. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Irene’s caregivers for the exceptional care and compassion shown to her in recent years. Your kindness made a meaningful difference and will never be forgotten.

Irene’s last words were spoken with a twinkle in her beautiful green eyes and with the smile that warmed so many people’s hearts.  “Goodbye everybody.  I love you all.  Winnipeg is where I will leave my little notes.”