Natalie Ambrose IHM

1930 - 2016

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Glendale Funeral Home

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Natalie Ambrose Obituary

June 10, 1930 - April 26, 2016 Natalie Ambrose, IHM, died on April 26; she had been a member of the Immaculate Heart Community for 63 years. A lover of mathematics and an outstanding teacher, she reached infinity after a lifetime of teaching, service, and working for social justice. Natalie Ambrose, IHM, was born on June 10, 1930 as Loretta Regina Ambrose to her parents, Loretta Paltenghi and Francis Ambrose, in New York City, sibling to Frank Ambrose, who pre-deceased her. A graduate of Hunter College, she entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart in 1953, having served at Immaculate Heart High School as a PE teacher. When she returned as Sister Natalie, IHM, she was a popular math teacher, much loved by her students for her creativity, enthusiasm, and genuine concern for every student. Natalie was creative in teaching math and in designing and supporting school events, especially Mary's Day. As a long-time math department chair, she was a popular teacher, supportive of the IHHS sports program, and she kept in touch with former students, returning to participate in IHHS Alumnae reunions for many years. She also taught at Paraclete H.S. in Lancaster and Mission H.S. in San Luis Obispo. Natalie researched the affective and cognitive aspects of learning in the Confluent Education program at UCSB; (ABD). As a speaker and organizer of many math conferences, Natalie was nationally recognized for her expertise as teacher and presenter. She presented programs to parents in LAUSD on how to enhance learning skills and participate in their children's education. Academia was not Natalie's only involvement. She was a Commissioner and two-term Chair of the L.A. County Commission on Aging and a consultant to the Children's Planning Council in the San Fernando Valley and the Antelope Valley. Her support for the elderly was demonstrated in her involvement with many groups, framing public policy and advocating for the rights and welfare of the elderly. She participated in Detention Ministry through the Archdiocesan Board of Juvenile Detention, and she served on the Advisory Board to the Antelope Valley County Mental Health Advisory Council. Natalie participated in civic programs as the Director of Planning and Aging for the United Way, Antelope Valley. Her commitment to improving the welfare and well-being of the elderly, the needy, and especially the poor, led to her leadership in United Way programs. As a member of the Immaculate Heart Community, Natalie was an early member of the Coordinating Council of the IHM Blythe St. Project in Panorama City, a neighborhood center that ministers to the families on Blythe St. As a skilled photographer, she documented Blythe St. events and programs of the Immaculate Heart Community. She captured nature in close-up and created greeting cards, gifts to many. An artist, organizer, and teacher, Natalie brought enthusiasm, talent, and expertise to all the projects in which she was involved. Natalie served as Vice-President of the Immaculate Heart Community; she supervised meal planning at the IHM Residence as well as serving on several Community committees, contributing her creativity and organizational skills to programs and events. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Immaculate Heart H.S. and all of her endeavors, a lover of beauty and nature, and her dogs were devoted companions that enjoyed nature walks with her in Green Valley, her home for many years. Reflecting on her involvement in so many civic, aging, and health organizations, Natalie wrote, "The issues of aging, technology, and culture shifts make this an interesting time to be involved in these projects. These factors also affect our Community." With gratitude we celebrate Natalie's new life with God. She is survived by dear friends Jean Scott, IHM, and Pat McAllister, IHM, members of the Immaculate Heart Community, and family: her niece Barbara Ambrose and daughters, Danielle Lemke, Melanie Scheible and Kimberly Scheible; nephew Richard Ambrose (Bobette Nelson) and their children, Monique Ambrose and Mike Ambrose; niece Maureen Ambrose (Marshall Schminke). The Memorial Mass to celebrate the life of Natalie Ambrose will be held on Friday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, 2060 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles 90027. Donations to honor her memory may be sent to Immaculate Heart Community, 5515 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028.

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 5 to May 8, 2016.
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Sister Natalie's delight and enthusiasm about mathematics was what encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching mathematics, which I have enjoyed tremendously. Her unforgettable laugh was particularly amusing while introducing the quadratic formula! It's quite amazing how one teacher has had such a positive affect on so many of her students. My only regret is that I never had the chance to tell her myself. I hope that other students were able to tell her.

God Bless Sister Natalie!

Emmy Felszeghy Mallon IHHS '71

May 12, 2016

I've been deeply sad about Natalie's death, especially with Daniel Berrigan's coming so soon afterwards. Natalie was such a creative, joyful presence, always encouraging me in my writing endeavors. She reveled in God's creation. I knew she hadn't been well, but I'd hoped to see her again. Jean, Pat, Clara, Stellita, Kathie and all of you who loved her (and, no doubt, still do) - my heartfelt condolences.

Mary Ann Cejka

Mary Ann Cejka

May 11, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss... We can find great comfort in the words found in John 3:28,29. May the God of love and comfort be with you in this very difficult times.

H R

May 10, 2016

Sounds like a great lady. Wish I had known her. May she rest in peace.

Natalie Hall

May 9, 2016

Sister Natalie created in me a love of math that contributed greatly to my career choices. I will forever remember terrific conversations she had with my Dad and I about how profit and loss are different in academics vs business. She would always make her point with that infectious laugh. Will always remember her fondly.

Chris Bruttig Smith

May 9, 2016

Sr. Natalie taught me so much more than mathematics; she taught me how to compartmentalize my life. She was one of my most vibrant teachers.
Genzi Broughton Nachod '67

May 9, 2016

Blessings & condolences to the IH Community. The Sims ('56, '65, '66 & '73) alumnae will always remember Sr Natalie with great fondness ❤

Marcia Sims

May 8, 2016

Natalie's laugh will be one of my fondest memories of her. She was a joyous person and her love of life was infectious! She taught me to love math in my sophomore year - what a gift. Heaven is surely echoing with her laugh!

Diane Knapp Davidson
Class of 1964

Diane Davidson

May 8, 2016

"Sister" Natalie absolutely encouraged the capabilities of her students. While in college, I tutored Math at a community college and later became a Pre-Algebra and Algebra instructor. The richness of the Immaculate Heart Community and her commitment, goals and aspirations,in a retrospective view, absolutely fostered and shaped my contributory mindset and actions. Thank you and rest in peace, "Sister" Natali.

Ermelle Martinez-Barbarin

May 8, 2016

I had the good fortune to be educated at Immaculate Heart High School. The standard of teaching at my high school was unrivalled. Not only did everyone who taught there share a genuine enthusiasm for their subject but an intellectual rigour that was more often a hallmark of higher educational institutions! A commitment to society's neglected, the less fortunate and social justice pervaded the school ethos and ideology. Natalie Ambrose wasn't just my geometry teacher... She was a wonderful role model and it was a privilege to know her. Fare thee well Natalie until we meet again in the Great Beyond. ❤ ps give my love to
Mrs Ogren and Sister Kathleen

Kathleen Keitzman Haskard

May 7, 2016

I remember her smiling and encouraging all of us. Her contributions to society were numerous. What a generous woman! Rest in peace Sister Natalie.

Gay Betz

May 7, 2016

In loving memory of Sister Natalie Ambrose, IHM. Thank you for all your years of dedication to IHHS, and being a Woman of Great Heart. It was a privilege for me to have Natalie give a presentation to the Parents of my LAUSD Pre Kinder class. I will always cherish her memory., smile and kindness. With love and appreciation, Renee Orozco-Gorelick, IHHS Class of 1964.

Renee Orozco Gorelick

May 7, 2016

Who can forget Sister Natalie? What a wonderful teacher, a star among the stars of excellent teachers at IHHS.

Mary Clark, Class of '62

May 6, 2016

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Memorial Mass

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Our Mother of Good Counsel Church

2060 North Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA

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