Obituary of Anastasia Kathleen Ambler

Nel passed away Saturday October 8, 2011 with family at her side after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jack and children, Dawn, Jack (Jill) and Jacqueline, along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents John and Lena Berbenak, as well as her siblings, Peter, Anne and Bill. Nel was born in the Ukraine on December 22, 1920 and came to join her family, already settled in Moose Jaw, in 1927. She met the love of her life in 1943 at a dance at Temple Gardens, as Jack was in flight training for the RAF and both shared many a dance up until a month before her passing. After corresponding for four years with Jack while he was overseas, she travelled to England and they were married in Bradford, Yorkshire on October 4, 1947. They returned to Canada in 1949, living in Moose Jaw until 1962 when they moved to Charlottetown, PEI and then returned to the prairies living in Regina since 1967. Nel was an accomplished ballroom and Ukrainian dancer and was a regular participant in concerts at the Ukrainian Hall in Moose Jaw and the dances at Temple Gardens. She was active in Zion United Church in Moose Jaw and Trinity United Church in Charlottetown. She was also a Brownie pack leader for many years in Charlottetown. She was also an accomplished knitter as well as needle worker and produced many items now treasured by family and she also loved gardening and was a teriffic cook. Nel became active in the South Zone Recreation Board and chaired the seniors Whist Club for many years. She and Jack also organized a number of not-for-profit seniors bus tours for seven years travelling throughout Canada and the USA. As well, she accompanied Jack on several trips overseas for CESO helping local children learn English. Nel and Jack travelled extensively around the world making many friends along the way but one of her favourite destinations was Barbados. The family would like to thank all who looked after her in Pioneer Village, Regina General Hospital and especially those at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre who made her final days so comfortable. Funeral Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Rosedale Cemetery, Moose Jaw SK.