Obituary of Nancy Irene Ambjor

Nancy Irene Riska Ambjor, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and many people who will forever miss her.

Nancy was born on May 13, 1944, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, to Odd and Christina Riska. She was the younger sister of Lillian. Nancy graduated from Fort Hamilton High School, and shortly after graduation, on June 30, 1962, she married the love of her life, Arne Norman Ambjor.

Together, Nancy and Norman moved to Northern New Jersey, where they made their home in Lake Telemark, Rockaway. They spent their married life building a family and a community. They were blessed with two daughters, Sandra and Linda.

Once her daughters were older, Nancy began a career as a school bus driver with the Rockaway Township Transportation Department. What began as a job became a career she loved, continuing for many years and well into her retirement. Nancy was known for her dedication, warmth, and the many friendships she formed along the way.

Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. Her daughter Sandra married Roy Oostdyk, and together they had two daughters, Megan (Chase Miller) and Emma (Matthew Price).  Emma and Matthew went on to give Nancy two great-grandchildren, Vance 4 and Cohen 2, who brought another special joy to her life.

Nancy was engaged in her community and treasured the friendships she made throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Telemark, where she served as a member of WELCA (Woman’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Association), was a Sunday School teacher, and sang in the church choir for many years.  She was instrumental in coordinating the Annual Mother Daughter Banquet and lead the task of making the Norwegian Meatballs that would be served as the main course.  She made many dear friends there and shared countless fond memories. Nancy was also a member of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Lake Telemark and enjoyed spending time and participating in all the social activities and folk dancing.  She also became a member of the Frithiof Lodge in Budd Lake despite not being Swedish but 100% Norwegian.

Nancy lived life fully and was always ready for an adventure or a new activity. Over the years, she enjoyed sewing, bowling, horseshoes, boating, fishing, scuba diving, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. She was a member of the Lake Telemark Country Club and especially enjoyed spending extended periods of time in the Florida Keys. She was a devoted walker, a habit she maintained throughout much of her life.

Nancy will be remembered for her independent spirit, her love of family and friends, her enthusiasm for life, and the many communities of which she was a part. Her life touched so many people, and the memories she created will remain with them.

Although Alzheimer’s disease ultimately took her from those who loved her, it cannot take away the life she lived or the love she gave. Nancy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, family, friendship, and a life well lived.

Visitation will be held on Sunday August 16, 2026, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Avenue Denville, NJ 07834. www.normandean.com. Funeral Services will be held on Monday August 17, 2026, at 11:00AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 508 Green Pond Road Rockaway Township, NJ 07866.  Interment will follow at Marcella Union Cemetery.

Memorial Donations can be made in her memory to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: https://www.rockawaylutheran.org/