Beatrice Ambruso, retired nurse anesthetist

Beatrice “Joy” Ambruso, 80, of Dover and Fenwick Island, passed away at Bayhealth Kent Campus Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Joy is survived by her husband, Michael J. Ambruso Sr.; two sons, Michael J. Ambruso Jr. and wife Andrea, and Christopher Ambruso and wife Karen; three granddaughters, Cali Ambruso, Karina Ambruso and Secora Ambruso; her brother, James Stabile; and many nieces and nephews, and beloved cousins. She is also survived by her dearest friend, Francia Isakoff.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa., and raised in Atlantic City, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Marguerita (Imperiale) Stabile. After graduating from Atlantic City High School, she attended The Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia and upon graduation began her nursing career. She then attended anesthesia school at Hanes School of Anaesthesia in Dover. After graduating from anesthesia school, she would go on to work at Kent General Hospital, later Bayhealth Kent Campus, and retired after 34 years. Joy then went on to be the first nurse anesthetist in Delaware to open a private anesthesia practice, Eye Care Anaesthesia.

Joy was fond of wildlife, photography, traveling, and the beach, but in her quieter moments, she cherished time spent with her family and friends. Joy was loving, generous, and caring, and was always there looking out for her family, friends, and neighbors. She will be truly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Services were held Monday, Oct. 16, at Holy Cross Church, 631 S. State St., Dover. Entombment in Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery in Frederica will be private at a later date.