Teresa M. Ambre

Teresa M. Ambre, Age 79 of Virgil, IL, passed away peacefully at her home, April 11, 2007. Though a brain tumor gradually stole her life, it seemed her spirit grew in magnified proportion to her loss. Her sister, Earlene, ever the angel of compassion and love, opened her home, day and night to a constant parade of family, friends and caregivers. Her brother-in-law, Peter, forever the patient, loving "father" through the years, kept another world of friends informed and inspired as he chronicled the blessings of each passing day in e-mails and letters. Making everyone "family" in Teresa’s journey, the pain of Teresa’s illness and death, were transformed into something beautiful. Called at last to her heavenly home from the "waiting room" where she spent her last months, Teresa tarried just long enough to share the joy of Easter before she left to claim its Promise. BORN / EARLY YEARSShe was born to this life, November 18, 1927, in Aurora, the daughter of Joseph Anthony and Jennie Helen (Schiltz) Ambre. Teresa was one of God’s special children. What some might have seen as her limitations, became "living gifts". Given as freely as her contagious smile and enduring friendship, these were gifts that God would bless through the years, to blossom in many lives along the way. Teresa grew up in Aurora where she attended St. Nicholas Church and School with her siblings. In 1980, life changed dramatically for everyone, when Teresa moved to Maple Park, along with her aging mother. There they made their home with Earlene and "Pete", Teresa’s sister and brother-in-law. Moving from city to farm was not easy, but it proved to be a wise decision and loving hearts made a new home together. In 1987, Teresa and Earlene’s mother, Jennie, passed away at the age of 97. From then on, Teresa, Earlene and Pete became a familiar "three-some" for masses, parties, funerals and every other outing. With clock-work regularity, they attended mass and shared in many "labors of love" at S.S. Peter & Paul Church in Virgil. Teresa’s prayer life, was filled with daily petitions on behalf of her family and friends, all of whom trust that those prayers continue from Heaven as Teresa waits for them there. Teresa was proud of her housework, helping Earlene with dishes, sorting clothes and cleaning. The routine of responsibility was important for Teresa and Earlene made it work, day in and day out, for many years. With wisdom and humor, Pete pondered life with these two sisters and smiled to himself at the "echo in the room" as Teresa sometimes repeated Earlene’s every word. Over time, God made this three-some into an awesome example of faith and love, mercy and grace. FAMILY MEMBERSIn addition to Earlene and Pete Petit, and their loving family, Teresa is survived by three siblings:Antoinette Sachen of Auburn, IN,Leanor Smith of South Gate, CA,And Eleanor Zander of Ojai, CA,Two sisters-in-law:Irene Ambre of Burbank, CA. and Joan Ambre of Phoenix, AZ; And many nieces and nephews. In addition she leaves a friendship-family of many. Among them, her hair-dresser, Mary Herra who brought both joy and beauty. With comb and camera, she chronicled the days of Theresa’s life and filled it with smiles and laughter. Alma Stark provided beautiful night gowns, flowers and so many acts of kindness. Her loving and faithful physician, Dr. Thomas Collinet, treated body and mind and spirit with love; and his house-calls to her bedside became "Kodak-moments" that joined a wall-full of photos. From new faces at CNS hospice to life-long neighbors, Teresa’s friendship-family was as numerous as the countless angels, dolls and "cuddlies" that adorned every corner of her room. In each of their hearts, the name "Teresa" will forever bring a smile, and among them is one, whose picture enjoyed a place of prominence on her dresser for many years. PRECEDED Teresa is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Jennie Ambre,Eight siblings:Earl Ambre,Jeanette Hankes,Lawrence AmbreRaymond Ambre andRaymond Ambre II;Gerald Ambre,Colette Schuster andLouise Burgholzersix brothers-in-law:Bill BurgholzerJerome SchusterWalter Hankes,Bob Smith Don Zander andBill SachenOne sister-in-law:Rita AmbreAnd one niece, Earlene and Pete’s daughter, Donna PetitA memorial has been established in Teresa’s name to benefit CNS Hospice as well as masses and S.S. Peter & Paul Church. Memorials checks may be made to the Teresa Ambre Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through her obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information, call 1-800-8-CONLEY.

Visitation will be held at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., . Elburn, Sunday, April 15, from 2-6pm with a wake service to follow at 6:30pm. Teresa’s funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, April 16 at 10 am at S.S. Peter & Paul Church, Virgil. The Rev. Fr. Les Eschevia will officiate.

Delayed committal services will take place at 1 pm at St. Joseph Cemetery, Rt,. 25, Aurora.