Barbara Ashley ... taught in Rochester schools; at 97

Barbara W. Ashley died peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 24, 2023, at the age of 97, at the Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation.

She was born on June 26, 1926 in Phillipsburg, N.J., daughter of Ernest and Blanche Wilken. She graduated from Nazareth High School, Pa., in 1944 and went on to Perry Normal School in Boston, to receive her teaching degree.

Her first teaching position was at the New Franklin School in Portsmouth. She also taught for a number of years at the Maple Street School and McClelland School in Rochester.

Upon moving to New Hampshire, she met her late husband Arnold M. Ashley whom she was married to for over 60 years. She is survived by her three children Betty, Nancy Donahue and husband Michael, and Kenneth. Her three grandchildren Sean Donahue and wife Erin, Keri Coy and husband Michael, and Olivia Ashley. She was blessed to have three great-grandchildren Marie and Emmet Coy and Aidan Donahue. Barbara was predeceased by her brother Earl Wilken, brother-in-law Robert Ashley and sister-in-law Barbara Walnut. She leaves her sister Janet Odence and many nieces and nephews.

Barbara's husband was very involved with the Masons, so she did a lot of traveling across the country enjoying meeting so many wonderful people. Barbara was a 60-year member of the Order of Eastern Star in Rochester. She was proud to see Betty and Arnold go through the Chairs becoming Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron in 1976. She was also proud when Betty became Grand Martha in 2014. She traveled with Betty and others to the many functions. Barbara had many hobbies with one being making different chocolates on holidays which her family very much looked forward to. She also created cards each month which she would send to people in hopes to brighten their day.