Shushan – Kristine Marie Ambrose, 75, passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born on August 10, 1950 in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Regina (Zmijewski) Hamelin. Kristine graduated from Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady and continued her education at the College of St. Rose. She later received two master's degrees from SUNY Albany in Library Science and American History. While in graduate school, she worked at the Schenectady Public Library.

Kristine devoted her life to her family. She dedicated herself to raising her children and lovingly cared for her husband, making it possible for him to remain at home with his family after an accident that left him paralyzed. She cared deeply about providing for her family in many different ways–through creating holiday traditions, cooking homemade meals that were always eaten together, and ensuring her children valued learning through reading. Faith was also an important part of her life. She was a member of St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland for more than 25 years before relocating to Shushan.

Kristine was a talented seamstress and enjoyed needlework, sewing, crocheting and quilting. She lovingly made clothing for her children when they were young, as well as Halloween costumes that her family continues to use today. Each year she created special Christmas ornaments for her beloved grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. Her beautiful needlework, often described as artwork, adorned her home and changed with the seasons. Kristine also enjoyed reading–especially about American and local history–and, in her later years, especially loved light-hearted mysteries.

In addition to her parents, Kristine was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, James Stuart Ambrose, who passed away in January 2026; a granddaughter, Ruth Foster; and a brother, Richard Hamelin.

Survivors include her children, Jennifer Ambrose of Utica, Karin Foster and her husband Kent of Shushan, and Rebecca Ambrose and her husband Jeffrey Barringer of Guilderland; her brother, Bruce Hamelin; her sister, Kathryn Bickford; and her cherished grandchildren, Anna and Jane Foster and Aurora, Colton, Sullivan, Wells and Montgomery Barringer.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026 at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem, with Rev. Debbie Earthrowl officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge.

There are no prior calling hours.

Memorial contributions in memory of Kristine may be made to the Friends of the Bancroft Public Library, P.O. Box 478, Salem, NY 12865; the Salem Food Pantry, P.O. Box 476, Salem, NY 12865; and the Salem Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 360, Salem, NY 12865.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Kristine, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Bancroft Public Library
P.O. Box 478, Salem NY 12865

Salem Food Pantry
P.O. Box 476, Salem NY 12865

Salem Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 360, Salem NY 12865