Sister M. Ambrose (Patricia Kiernan McCracken) CSC

Courtesy photo/Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross/Notre Dame, Ind.

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NOTRE DAME IND. — Holy Cross Sister M. Ambrose McCracken died Feb. 27, 2013 in St. Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Ind.

Patricia Kiernan McCracken was born May 27, 1919 in Norfolk, Va. to the late John James and Alice Kiernan McCracken. She professed in the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross on Feb. 2, 1944.

Sr. Ambrose, who loved to be called Ambie, spent the first 25 years of her ministry in elementary schools in the West, including teaching at Saint Joseph School in Ogden from 1976 to 1953.

She returned to the East, where in 1971 she became involved in the field of campus ministry. For 18 years she gave retreats and was active in the Cursillo movement.

At the age of 70 she moved to Saint Angela Hall in Kensignton, Md., where she was part of the volunteer service team. She also wrote an autobiography, "Ambie: I’m Lovable! I’m Capable! And a Sister of the Holy Cross." The book was published in 1997.

Sr. Ambrose retired to Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Ind. in 1999, and was active in the ministry of prayer until her death.

She was predeceased by her brothers Terrance, John and James, and sisters Alice, Eleanor, and Julia. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated March 5.