Wallace, Ambrose Stephen, New
France, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on
September 10, 2021, after a brief illness. Born in Merland, he was the
son of the late Owen S. and Anne (Haley) Wallace.
From a young age Ambrose possessed a strong work ethic while
employed as a laborer in both forestry and construction, a trait he
instilled in each of his children.
A natural musician, his legendary fiddle playing has graced
stages in dance halls and wedding receptions throughout Nova Scotia
and Prince Edward Island. It was while performing that he caught the
eye of the woman who would be the love of his life for 62 years.
Ambrose and Marie raised their nine children on their New
France homestead while working the land that provided for their young
family. Their house was always a home to extended family, friends, and
travellers alike. Visitors could always expect a lunch and guided tour
of Ambrose’s trophy case while he regaled stories of
performances for the Queen.
Ambrose’s many years of teaching his fiddle class
ensured that his love of music will carry on for many generations
through his students.
Grampie was happiest "down home" on Sunday
afternoons with the house full of grandkids, food, and music.
A man of unwavering faith, Grampie will be sure to arrive at
the gates of heaven to a chorus of angels grateful that the fiddler
has finally arrived.
He is survived by sisters Beatrice Delorey, Julia MacMillan,
and Brother Thomas Wallace O.S.A.; his children, Billy (Gloria)
Frasers Grant, Kathy (Gerard) Antigonish, Stevie (Cathy) New France,
Joanne (George) Antigonish, Deborah (Tom) Lower South River, Rodney
(Judy) New France; grandchildren, Ryan, Crystal, Theresa, Lindsay,
Amanda, Rodney, Sheena, Lesley, Holly, Cole; great grandchildren,
Alexis, Willow, Denton, Felicity, Brogan, and Lainey; son-in-law Dee;
daughter-in-law Tammy.
Besides his parents, Ambrose was predeceased by his loving
wife, Marie (Cunningham); his children, Patricia, Marlene, and John
Allan, as well Margaret Ann and Ambrose Charles in infancy;
grandchild, Ambrose Gerard in infancy; stepmother, Bertha (Greencorn);
brothers, Mac, Willie Patrick, Owen, Arthur, Tommy; sisters, Rita,
Theresa, Hilda, Emily, Anne in infancy.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College
Street, Antigonish on Sunday, September 12th
from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held in
Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton at 11:00 am on Monday. Burial
in the parish cemetery. Social distancing protocols must be followed,
and masks are mandatory. The funeral will be streamed live
on the funeral home website. Memorial donations may be made to The
Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com
The family would like to thank Fr. Andrew Gillies, Dr. John
Chiasson, as well as the staff, doctors, and nurses at St.
Martha’s Regional Hospital for the compassionate care they
provided for Dad/Grampie. Your professionalism and kindness will not
be forgotten.