64 Years
Surrounded by her loving family and with her favorite song playing, Ambriss Margaret Clermont slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Early Wednesday morning February 29, 2012 marked the end of her valiant battle with cancer.
Ambriss was predeceased by her parents Martin and Virginia Reid.
She is survived by Michael, her loving husband of 43 years and her four children Martin (Shalene), Lorree (Mike) Brown, John (Erin) and Kimberly (Calvin) Ewer and her grandchildren Faith, Ethan, Mia, Graham, Olivia, Lily and Sawyer, to whom she was completely devoted. Ambriss is also survived by her loving and supportive brothers, John (Lorree) and Jeff (Annette) Reid and close cousin Bonnie Hays. Ambriss’ numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends were always in her thoughts.
Ambriss was born Dec. 26, 1947, raised in Calgary, Alberta and with her family moved to Edmonton in 1962. Ambriss and Michael were high school sweethearts, who married in 1968 and moved to Victoria in 1974.
Ambriss was co-owner, with Michael, in Russ Hays The Bicycle Shop. She was a happy, loving, effervescent wife, mother and nana. Her life’s vocation was the care and nurturing of her four children and seven grandchildren. Ambriss was active in their schools, her church and community. Her favorite memories were of times spent with family and friends at Shawnigan Lake. Ambriss had a strong steadfast faith in God and she trusted her life, family and future to the promise of Jesus Christ.
Special thanks to Doctors John Visioli, Peter Battershill, Valerie Cowan and the wonderful health care professionals and volunteers at Saanich Peninsula Palliative Care who supported us on Ambriss’ journey.
To Ambriss, our dear wife, mother and nana, as you said to us countless times:
“We will love you forever and always, to the moon and back!”
Prayers will be offered in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Monday, March 5 at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in SACRED HEART CHURCH, 4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Interment at Royal Oak Burial Park with a reception to follow in McCall Bros. Reception Centre, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. Donations if desired may be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Gerald van Grootheest
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Sara John Fowler Dear Mike and Family,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. The service for Ambriss was absolutely beautiful. You were so lucky to have had her, as she was to have had you. Ambriss’ family is her legacy. You must be so very proud of her, as she clearly was of each of you, and as you are of one another.
Warmly,
Sara
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Darlene & Doug Potentier and Family Mike and family,
We were booth saddened to hear of Ambriss’s passing. Losing such a loving wife,mother and grandmother is devastating especially far too soon. You were all very blessed to have her In your lives. May the loving memories you created help you through this tough time and lift your spirits when the memory of her smile shines through.
May god bless you and your entire family.
Sincerely
Darlene & Doug Potentier and family
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Darlene & Doug Potentier and Family Mike and the entire family
WE were so very saddened to hear of your loss of Ambriss. We know she was a very loving wife, mother and grandma. You were all very blessed to have her in your lives. We hope the loving memories she created for all of you will carry you through the tough road ahead.
God bless you and your entire family.
Darlene & Doug
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Kambra Bates Dear Clermont Family ,
I am deeply sorry and saddened for your loss my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
My heart will always be filled with wonderful childhood memories of Summer’s in Shawnigan Lake , your Mom will always be remembered as such a loving caring woman .
Sincerely ,
Kambra
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Jacquie Parker Lorree, Mike and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I only met her a few times, but I know how close you all were to her. She was a lovely person, and my prayers are with you.
Take good care of each other,
Jacquie
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Anne & Al Brunet Mike,
We are so very sorry about your loss. It was such a pleasure getting to know Ambriss a bit, and we can imagine how deeply she will be missed.
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family,
Anne & Al Brunet
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Moira and Peter Nash Dear Mike and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful Ambriss.
We are very thankful that we were able to have dinner with you and Ambriss recently, Mike. The first thing that we commented on when we said good bye was that she made the evening so comfortable for us!
Love to all of you.
Moira and Pete
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Gerry Anderson Dear Mike and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ambriss’ passing. I remember such good times with Ambriss and the family down here in Florida at Bonnie’s house enjoying the pool and warm weather and each other’s company. May your beautiful memories comfort you now and forever as Ambriss will live on in all your hearts. Ambriss, a lady beautiful in soul and spirt – one of the nicest people I have ever met. With deepest sympathy,
Gerry Anderson
Hollywood, Florida
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Bob Cameron Dear Mike, Martin, Lorree and your extended family at the shop, please accept my very sincere wishes. Ambriss must have felt truly blessed to have had such great people in her life. I hope that you are finding that same love and support among each other and all your caring friends.
Bob and Heather Cameron and family
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Pam and Wayne Clayton Mike, Martin, and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Ambriss’ illness and passing. Our thoughts are with you in this impossible time.
Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
~Rossiter Worthington RaymondWayne and Pam
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Mike Fox Mike, Martin and family
I feel that Joan and Ambriss, though not close, had a great rapport
Regrettably, they both were victims of the same evil at the same stage in their lives.
Gotta believe they will connect up there!
I know it’s not easy for those who live on.You have your strong family to rely on.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike
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Pauline and Michael Skinner Michael and family
Life is fleeting and Ambriss used every moment of her short life to give joy and love to all those who had the privelege of knowing her.
What a legacy to leave!
All good thoughts
Pauline and Michael Skinner
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Guy&Terry Blasetti Mike & the Clermont Family ;
Terry & I are deeply sorry for your loss. Yes Ambriss was all you said .The good Lord Blessed her with many gifts.She Prayed,You allPrayed and we prayed for a miracle but she may have received that miracle. In God we trust and I am sure Ambriss trusted God also.
Remember Ambriss was blessed to have such a wonderful family but you were all blessed to have her as a wife ,mother ,mother in law and grandmother.We as cousins were also blessed ,she was so kind.
God Bless you all .We will continue to pray for you.
CIAO Terry & GUY Blasetti
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Beatrice Bate and family Michael and family,
It was with extreme sadness that I learned of Ambriss’s illness. Ambriss was a kind and caring person who always made the time to talk, listen and offer support.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you in this sad time.Bea Bate
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William Arnold To the Beautiful Clermont Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of such a beautiful person. We all loved Ambriss very much and she will be sadly missed. Mike and Ambriss were a big part of my life and I spent many enjoyable years working and learning from the Clermont Family.Mike and Ambriss treated me like one of there own children and that I will never forget. All my love and prayers to you all from the entire Arnold Family.
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William Arnold To the Beautiful Clermont Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of such a beautiful person. We all loved Ambriss very much and she will be sadly missed. Mike and Ambriss were a big part of my life and I spent many enjoyable years working and learning from the Clermont Family.Mike and Ambriss treated me like one of there own children and that I will never forget. All my love and prayers to you all from the entire Arnold Family.
Will Arnold
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Wilma & Herman Vanderwal Dear Kim, Cal & the rest of the Clermont Clan:
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear wife, mother & grandmother. Many awesome memories Kim of your dear mom, the most recent, for our family, was at Char’s memorial service as you and your mom graciously looked after our 6 week old granddaughte,Rachel. Safe in the arms of Jesus.May the many beautiful memories sustain your family in the months and years ahead and may your know your whole family are in our thoughts and prayer.
Lots of Love Herman & Wilma Vanderwal
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Colin, Lesley and Alyssa Watson Lorree, Mike, Kim, Cal and Family
We are heartbroken to hear of Ambriss’s passing. Our thoughts are with you. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
The Watson family.
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Mike Kucherawy Mike & family,
I’m so sad to learn of Ambriss’ passing. Our deepest sympathy from my family to yours. What an amazing lady. She always brought a smile to my face and that of everyone around her. She was strong and brave and her wonderful spirit will last an eternity. God bless you and comfort you all as you greive at this sad time. May Ambriss rest in peace.
Mike & Jane Kucherawy
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Sister Marie Zarowny, SSA My deepest sympathy to you, Mike, and to your family as you live this time of both celebrating Ambriss and letting go. What a loss to all of you, yet what a beautiful life you’ve shared together! Be assured of my prayer and that of the Sisters of St. Ann as you walk into the days and months ahead without her presence as you’ve known it.
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Lana Archer My heart feels heavy for the Clermont family. I am so sorry for your loss. As I was reading the descriptions of your wife, mother, sister and nana, I thought that ‘Effervescent’ was the perfect word to describe Ambriss. I grew up with Lorree and we worked our first job together at Ambriss’ Mexican Food restaurant, Sombreros. I had recently reminded Ambriss of the days she would bring us Rogers Chocolates for a treat on busy days. This is just one example of her thoughtfulness and taking pleasure in simple joys. Even through the eyes of a child and young adult, I could see how much she was a hard worker and more importantly valued and loved her family. I have happy memories at Shawnigan Lake. Anyone who walked through that door was welcomed with open arms. My sincere condolences.
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Ken and Daphne On a headstone in Daphne’s native Ireland . . . Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Our thoughts are with you.
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Patti Hooey My deepest condolences to all the family
Lorree, I am very sorry for the loss of your Mother
may your memories and strength in God help you & the family at this sad time
Love & Hugs
Patti
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Middleton Family Dear Clermont Family,
It was very sad news to learn of Ambriss’ death. Such a gentle woman and so very kind. We remember the days at St. Patrick’s School when little Kim and our son Andrew did some modelling for W.J. Wilson. Too young, she was!
Being together as a family will help you to get through the tough days ahead. Sincere condolences from The Middletons
(Teresa,Keith, Annemarie, Beth and Christina)
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Per and Gwen Haagensen Mike and family,
Our deepest sympathy on the the loss of your dear Ambriss. We will always remember her as a a loving and caring person. She was a favorite neighbor of ours on Sarita Place and will never be forgotten by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May God bless you at this time of great sorrow..
Lovingly Per and Gwen( Haagensen)
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Henk and Liz Nienhuis Dear Clermont family;
We are so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your wife, mother and grandmother. We express our sincere sympathy to all of you, and pray that God will comfort you in this time of grieving.
Fondly remembered,
Henk and Liz Nienhuis
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Gerry Connelly Mike and family
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Ambriss. I have such fond memories of our high school days at St. Joe’s. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Gerry
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Linda Jasper (nee Graham) Dearest MIchael and family,
I’m so very, very sorry for your loss and word escape me.. My heart goes out to you during this sad time. I know it’s not easy. The love and kindness you learned from beautiful Ambriss will give you strength.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
-Thomas CampbellTime and miles have seperated us over the years Michael but, you have always held (and will always hold) a special place in my heart and memory.
God bless you all
Linda
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Richard & Jacque Blache Mike, Martin and family,
Our most sincere condolences on the passing away of your
very special wife, mother and nana. May she continue to bless your
lives with the lovely memories of the good times you shared together…
Your friends Richard and Jacque Blache
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Paul (Sonny) Paulsen Mike,
My sincere condolences. I remember you and Ambriss as being such a loving and dedicated couple in High School and marvelled
at such a long and wonderful relationship.Paul (Sonny) Paulsen
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Leila Lorree, Kim, and all family-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep each other close as I know you will. Remember the many good times that you had and know that you have wonderufl memories to cherish forever.
Lots of love,
Leila and Justin Lee
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dan korolyk our thoughts & prayers are with you Mike & the entire Clermont clan.Dan & Denise Korolyk.
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Lizz Hanan Mike, please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of your sweetheart and life’s partner. I hope the memories of the many years you enjoyed together will bring comfort to you and your family members at this sad time.
Lizz
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Pam and Malcolm Verley Our condolences to all the family at this sad time. Your wharf on Shawnigan Lake will never look the same…we will miss seeing Ambriss sunbathing with her book and her visor!!!
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Ken and Patty Cleall Mike, Patty and I were so sorry to learn of Ambriss’s passing. It was good to see the 2 of you briefly in Victoria last summer when we were out there for a wedding. You and your family will miss her so much and we are thinking about you at thus difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
Ken and Patty
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Marie Doyle Dear John & Erin, & the Clermont family. I was saddened to hear of your dear mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May she rest in peace… Marie Doyle (Ottawa)
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Lorne, Bev & family Our condolences are with Mike and the family at this very difficult time. At times like this, a strong family is the greatest blessing.
Our thoughts are with you,
Lorne & Bev Ridout and family
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Geri Duane and Lowell Simpson Ambirss we will miss you. You were like a sister to me when I moved here from Vancouver. I had your sound advise on many things from relationships to chicken pox. You are now in heaven with all your family, friends and Mathew give him a big kiss from us. Our prayers are with the Clermont family and friends.
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Tomas and Eileen Scanlan We have been following Ambriss`s health these past months and you have had such a stressful time.
We were very sad to hear of her passing and fondly remember chatting with her in St.Patrick`s School.(many years ago now)
Ambriss was always a delight ,was such pretty woman and a good friend to all.
God bless you all and may the good Lord be with you as you grieve,
With warm thoughts,
Tomas and Eileen Scanlan
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Denise Kilner Dear Mike and family,
My sincere condolances I extend to you and your family,on the death of Ambriss.She was a beautiful person,not only in appearance,but inside too. I have many memories of Ambriss,as have my girls.Both Stephanie and Fiona send their sympathies to you and your family also. The happy times spent at Shawnigan Lake in the summer,both girls learnt to ski with Ambriss at the helm. New Years Eve at your house parties,dancing with Ambriss’s father,one year. My Christmas baking wouldn’t be complete without crab tarts,one of Ambriss’s recipies!!!
Our paths have gone different routes since the school days when our children were young.I would hear of her through Paul who has cut my hair for more than 30 years. So she was not forgotten.
My heart goes out to you all at this sorrowful time,and I will keep you all in my prayers. Sincerely and with love to you all. Denise Kilner.
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Jean Fedoration My condolences to the family. I met Ambriss a few times through a very special friend Karen Petrone, Ambriss was a very special lady who was so very warm and friendly. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Glen & Kelly Hobbis Cap's Westwood Cycle So sorry to hear about Ambriss’ passing and your families loss. We will be adding Ambriss to the list of people that we ride for this June in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. We will continue to ride with more purpose as long as Cancer tries to stand in our way and when it is finally conquered we will then ride just for fun. Our thoughts are with you!
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Sean Ewer Sherri and I send our love and heart felt condolences to all of you. Mrs. C was an amazing lady, compassionate and with such a strong faith in God.
Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.
-Sean
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Kevin and Angela John, Erin and Family of Ambriss,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this moment. We never had the chance to meet Ambriss, but from what you Erin have said and what Mike has said, she was a very special person.
Sounds like her wish for you all is that you keep her memory alive, especially by looking after her grandson.
All the best to you all at this painful and happy moment of passage.
Kevin and Angela Doyle (Ottawa)
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Aurea Doyle-MacMullin I was so very sad and sorry to hear of Ambriss’ passing. Erin is my sister and we had many conversations on the phone talking about Ambriss and how she was doing. My first impression on meeting Ambriss was how warm and friendly she was. My thoughts are with you all in this difficult time and that you find some comfort in the memories you have of her.
Aurea Doyle-MacMullin
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Gina and Andrew Smith We are so sad this day has come but we know that the beautiful spirit of Ambriss will live on in each and every one of you and give you comfort, strength and a soft place to land in this terribly difficult time. She is free now. She can be anywhere she wants to be and I believe part of heaven is being able to stay connected to those you love so much.
Mike, you and Ambriss built such a rewarding life together for your precious family and you will all have that always.
Even though you are far away from London you are very close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. With Much Love, Gina and Andy
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Erin Giles Ambriss was an amazing woman, I was honored to have known her.
“When there are no words… know that the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of all who love you”
Love, Erin
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Jim & Chris Dawson-Brown Dear John & Erin,
We are with you in heart, mind and body. We share your pain – but know that your beloved Mum is suffering no longer. Matthew Arnold wrote this:
Is it so small a thing
to have enjoyed the sun,
to have lived light in Spring,
to have loved,
to have thought,
to have done?May time, and most of all…your warm and happy memories, bring you healing and peace of mind. We are holding you close, with love, Jim & christine, St. Andrews, Newfoundland
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Leanne Maccagno My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this difficult time. I remember your Mom very fondly and know how important her family was to her. I am proud to have gotten to share in her life when I was a child and I know she leaves behind so many fond memories of the amazing woman she was.
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Lisa Bryden My deepest sympathies to the entire Clermont family! I have so many happy memories of Ambriss! Whenever I saw her she always had a smile and a hug for me. She was so much fun to be around! I got to spend a lot of time around your house when I was young and she always made me feel like family. I know how much you will all miss her! May God’s presence be strongly felt with each of you in the coming weeks!
Love Lisa (Bryden)
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Irene and Tim Austen All my love and prayers to the Clermonts, Reids, Browns and Ewers. Heaven has gained what we have lost.
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Dwayne and Debbie Doyle We would like to offer our deepest sympathies. Although we did not know Ambriss, we know she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time – find comfort in each other.
Dwayne, Debbie, Stephen and Sarah Doyle
(Erin’s brother and family)
Dear Mike and Family:
Our sincere condolences at the passing of your Wife, Mother and Grandmother. May God’s Spirit comfort you all and give you strength and courage to continue your lives. May you cherish the memories of all she was and of all she did for you. I meet my former pupils at Russ’ once in a while with fond memories of them and of their parents.
God bless you and keep you and make his face shine on you and give you his peace.
Sincerest,
Gerald and Aalie van Grootheest and family