It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Rosemarie Ambro (née Presenger) on February 4, 2026, with her family by her side. Known affectionately as “Rose”, she was born on September 2, 1936, in Fort William to John and Annette Presenger. Rose was proud to have grown up in the east end of Thunder Bay on McBain Street and often shared cherished stories of her childhood. She was known for her unique sense of fashion, quick wit, love of travel, and deep affection for animals.
Rose dedicated 36 years of service to St. Joseph’s Hospital, working first as a Nursing Assistant and later in the business office within the accounts department. After retirement, she continued working in retail at The Little Mermaid, where she combined her passion for fashion with her gift for connecting with people. She participated in many local fashion shows, both on the runway and behind the scenes in production. She also volunteered for many years at Benny Birch’s birthday celebration, helping raise funds in support of St. Joseph’s Heritage.
Rose married her soulmate, Joe Ambro, with whom she shared a love of motorcycles and adventure. Together they travelled for many years to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, meeting friends from their motorcycle club. They explored much of the United States on their bikes, enjoying rides through the Teton Range in Wyoming and the Black Hills in South Dakota. In later years, they continued their travels throughout the United States in their motorhome.
Her home on Rosslyn Road was a haven for many stray dogs over the years, reflecting her compassionate spirit. She adopted eight dogs and gave each one a loving and spoiled life. She leaves behind her two cherished companions, Neena and Charlee.
Rose and Joe loved opening their home to family and friends for their annual Christmas Eve party, countless family dinners, and summer barbecues. They also hosted skating and tobogganing parties on their acreage. Rose was the “glue” of extended family gatherings; having everyone together meant the world to her. She also helped organize the Ole Gals Club and faithfully phoned members every month to arrange their dinners together, something she took great pride in and thoroughly enjoyed.
She was immensely proud of her daughters, Joanne and Lauri, on becoming Registered Nurses and of the many accomplishments within her family. Rose was a devoted grandmother to Courtney and Kyle. She supported them in every way she could, whether through shopping trips to Duluth with Courtney or cheering Kyle on at hockey games, she loved being involved in their lives. In recent years, she became a proud great-grandmother (GG) to Liam and Ryah, cherishing every moment spent with them.
She is survived by her daughters, Joanne Oldale (Dave) and Lauri Wright (Doug); grandchildren Courtney Breukelman (Eric) and Kyle Wright (Gillian); great-grandchildren Liam and Ryah; sister Bernice (Bunnie) McArdle; and several nieces and nephews, including Kevin McArdle (Tammy), Jason McArdle, Julie McArdle, Diane Ambro (Jim), Liz Semeniuk (Dave), and Sharon Ambro. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Mary Meredith and nephew Scott Meredith (Maureen), along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Rose was predeceased by her parents, John and Annette Presenger; her beloved husband, Joe Ambro; infant son, James; her parents-in-law, Michael and Mary Ambro; her brother, Bob Presenger; brothers-in-law Kevin McArdle, Ralph Meredith, and John Ambro (Doris); and nephews Randy Meredith and Sonny Ambro.
A service to celebrate Rose’s life will be held at 11am on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway Street East. As expressions of sympathy, memorials to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or a charity of choice is gratefully appreciated.
Her life was a testament to love,
generosity, and devotion to family.
Her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
