Obituary of Ambrose Joseph Smith

Ambrose Joseph Smith
September 6, 1943 – July 11, 2025

The family of the late Ambrose Joseph Smith announce his peaceful passing at Western Memorial Regional Hospital on July 11th, 2025, at the age of 81 after a very brave and courageous battle with dementia.

Ambrose was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Melissa, his parents, James and Anastasia (Ward) Smith, his parent in laws, Patrick and Theresa (Mahar) Follett, his brothers: Henry(Bridget Foote) James (Josie) Patrick and Charlie, his sisters:Rosemary (Gordon) Hancock and Esther (Bert) Barry, his brother in laws, William Follett, Patrick Follett, his sister in laws, Anne (Phil) Williams, Jean (Art) Pike and Marlene (Mike) Carey.

He leaves to mourn with a lifetime of memories and very broken hearts, his loving and devoted wife, Theresa (Patsy), his oldest daughter, Darlene (Stan), his granddaughters, Katelyn (Austin) and Alexandra (Jalen), his great granddaughters Charlotte and Ivy. He also leaves behind his sister in laws, Bridget Smith, Marjorie Smith, Helen Smith, Ursula Whelan, Effie Follett, twovery special nephews, Bill (Geraldine) and Jim (Sharon) who were raised alongside him like brothers, his very special niece and Godchild, Vanessa Whelan as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Dad was born in Point au Mal on September 6th, 1943, theyoungest of seven children. His family lived a simple, modest life in this small community on the Port au Port Peninsula. He went to work at the tender age of 14 at Pine Tree, a radar station that was part of the American Base in Stephenville. He married Theresa (Patsy) Follett on August 27th, 1962. They eventually settled in Pasadena where they raised their daughters, Darlene and Melissa.

Family was everything to Dad. He lived his life with unwavering love and dedication to those closest to him, always putting them first while offering guidance, protection and unconditional love. As a husband, he was loving, strong and kind, taking the best care of Mom when she needed it most, always by her side with devotion and love. As a father, he was strong and a steady presence, very wise and always supportive, always offering the best advice. As a grandfather, his greatest joy came from time spent with his precious granddaughters,Katelyn and Alex, watching them grow, sharing their laughter, supporting them, loving them, and being there for every special milestone. He was a very loving great grandfather as well. Even towards the end, Charlotte and Ivy continued to bring him the greatest joy.

Dad was a remarkably intelligent and successful businessman. He was very savvy and well respected for his keen financial mind. His mind was sharp, and his hands were skilled. He could fix anything and was the one we all turned to for help. His talents were many. He was a gifted musician and could play any instrument by ear: guitar, piano, violin; he could play it all. Music, whether playing guitar for his girls while they sang in in various variety shows, around the campfire or at family/friends gatherings, playing piano after a long day’s work or listening to his beloved country music or a Saturday night, it brought him peace. Music was his outlet and comfort.

Dad will be remembered for his kindness, his steady wisdom and the deep love he gave so freely. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the family he built, led and loved so dearly. 

He will be missed forever❤️

“Those who love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day…unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear””

​​​​-Anonymous.

The family would like to offer special thanks to his home care giver, Dayna Hoskins, his community heath nurse, TammyBenoite, Dr Mark Smallwood, Dr. Tyler Brown, Dr. Nichola Penney, Paula Stagg and all the staff on 4A at WMRH for their excellent, compassionate care of Dad over the last 5 months. Special mention to Teri, Kendra, Joann, Wanda, Kristie, Nancy, and Joan. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

As per Ambrose' wishes, cremation has taken place. A visitation for family and friends to share condolences will be held at 4 St.Marks Avenue, July 15th from 2:00-4:00PM, and 7:00-9:00PM. The funeral service will be held at the Most Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Cathedral on July 16th at 10:00AM

Flowers or a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland in Dad’s memory will be graciously accepted.

The funeral service will be live streamed and can be viewed through the following link the day of the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=f7524d36-2c55-4e8f-959c-be5be6cbf590