My Grandmother

An Interview with Donetta Ambrose

By Ted Ambrose

My grandma has always been there for me and my family when we need it. She's strong, hard-working, and fun to be around. I always enjoy being with her. She was naturally the first choice for my interview, not only because of her importance to our family, but because of her past as a Western Pennsylvania Federal Court Judge. I found it interesting to learn about her past and the choices she made to get to her position. This opened the doors for a deeper connection between us and a better understanding of each other's past and present. Since my grandma has always been there for us, I want to be there for her by keeping this interview. 

Tell me something that you are proud of in your life.

I'm proud of having been nominated by President Clinton to the Federal District Court in the Western District of Pennsylvania. It was in 1993 and it was the pinnacle of my career. Personally, I'm proud of the family that I have. I have a wonderful son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. I love them very much.

What is a childhood experience that shaped you into who you are today?

When I was young, my mother took my sister and me to the library in New Kensington. I couldn't have been more than seven or eight years old. She asked the librarian what I should be reading. The librarian gave her some clues, so I started reading the Leatherstocking Tales. It really awakened in me a love of reading; a wanting to read more and more. And I think the more you read, the more you know.

Who did you look up to during early life, middle life, and late adulthood?

I looked up to my mother. She was always in my corner, always urging me to be the best that I could be, so I looked up to her very much. My Latin teacher in high school was a wonderful woman who I admired. In college, I had wonderful professors in French and political science. I looked up to them because they shaped much of my love for learning. In law school, I had one professor who encouraged me. His name was Ronald Davenport. I had many mentors throughout my professional career, but I look up to the people that I think want to do the right thing. I've had great admiration for many women who have been leaders in the field of law. I always looked up to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sandra Day O'Connor, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I'm proud of what I've done professionally because I've always tried to do the right thing. The law is not as black and white as it might appear. You must follow the law, but it's also important to think about the people behind the cases and the emotions and aspirations of those people. I'm proud to be a judge - on the state level for 12 years and then on the federal level for 28 years. Promoting women in the law was one of my main objectives and accomplishments.

I also think I've been a good friend. I’m proud of that. I've had so many good friends for so many years. I try to be the best person I can be to my family.

What's one of your favorite recent accomplishments?

I'm starting to play bridge again. I really feel like that is an accomplishment because I haven't played for about 40 years. I’m proud of myself for getting back into it and enjoying it so much.

What advice do you have for future generations?

It’s wonderful if you are a bright individual blessed with great intellect. But nothing replaces hard work. You have to work hard if you want to accomplish something. And you have to leave time to play, as well. But working is very important. Working hard, doing your best, being well-rounded, doing some kind of physical activity, and pursuing interest in music and art and academic subjects. Try to be as well-rounded as you can, work hard, and then play.

How are things different today than when you were growing up?

There was no social media. Nobody had an iPhone or any kind of phone at all. There was no Facebook, no Instagram. I think it was easier, in that respect, for people of my generation, because we weren't always worried about what was going on and what people were saying about us, about others, about everything. We walked everywhere when we were kids. You walked and walked and walked. Nobody had cars. Nobody drove everywhere. I'm not necessarily saying that those were the good old days, because many things are much better today. 

I don't want to go back to a time when we had separate drinking fountains and polio. We are very lucky today to be in an age when science has made so many advancements and helped so many people.

Do you have any concerns for the next generation?

I'm concerned about the public discourse, the division in the country, the nastiness that has become commonplace in the political arena. We’re moving in a direction that isn't so great. I don't think it’s good for anybody to have a country that is so divided, with such vitriol. Do you know what vitriol is? Vitriol is our national discourse.

I also have concerns about social media. It's too much. A child should not have to deal with all of that, to worry about what's being said and what isn't being said.

What lessons or values from your life do you want to pass on to future generations?

Tell the truth. If you tell the truth, you will always be right in what you say. It’s important to be honest - intellectually and personally, with your family and friends. Be open-minded. Open yourself up to new things. Learn as much as you can about everything that you can.

I would also say, follow your dreams. Do what you love. And then work. When I was a young child, there weren't women who were lawyers. When I went to law school, there were only three women in my class. It was an oddity to be a woman in law. But you can do things if you work hard and try your best. Today, half of the law school classes are women. Being a woman in law isn’t an oddity anymore. Things change.

Are there any changes that you're happy in this generation?

I think children are more aware of what's going on in the world. They’re more exposed to news and current events. It makes for good citizenship. The wonder that we have of iPads and iPhones can be very helpful. Those are great strides in technology, as long as you're not too dependent on them. We’re making advancements in health all the time. We had a pandemic, and millions of people died, but now we have vaccines. People aren't dying as much. There are so many advancements we're making in science, technology, and social discourse.

How did your family help you become the person you are today?

They always supported me. No matter what I said, no matter what I tried, no matter how unachievable it might have seemed to me or to them. They said, if you want to do it, go for it. They always had so much confidence in me. I was happy. I was also married to a man who was very supportive of me. I don't think I would have ever thought of running for judge in Westmoreland County if it weren't for him and his support, or of becoming a federal judge if it weren't for his encouragement and help.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Today is my birthday. I'm 79 years old. The best thing about my life today is my grandson, Ted Ambrose.