Joan M. Ashley

Joan Ashley

Colonie - Joan M. Ashley made her way to heaven on Saturday, December 7th at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, surrounded by family.

Joan was born in Cohoes to her parents, the late John and Sophie Wrzochalski.

Joan was raised in Cohoes where she attended school at St. Michael’s and graduated from Cohoes High School. She would often share stories of her time in the local drum and bugle corp.

Upon graduation, Joan worked as a telephone operator until her marriage to Robert Ashley in 1957. The successful union lasted an incredible 65 years until Robert’s passing in 2022.

Joan was a skilled artisan, her palette was that of yarn, needles and threads. Over the years she blessed many people with the gifts of her talents. Beautiful sweaters, afghans and needle points were some of her treasures. And as her family learned, if you needed to bring a gift for a newborn, she always had something in her dresser that she would happily give you.

Joan’s real talent was that of being a mother to her rambunctious group of six children. She instilled in us the virtues of honesty, humility and faith. She gave us a loving home for which we will be forever grateful.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Robert, son John, grandson Billy, brother Jack and sister Delores. She is survived by sons Stephen, David (Barbara), Gregory, Christopher (Michael-Anne) and daughter Donna Munhall (Michael). She is also survived by her sister Pat Grennon (Ed) and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the entire staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland. With special thanks to those working on the Rosary unit. They were so very kind and caring to Joan these last few months. And a very special thank you to Mrs. Jeanne Heroux, a very special lady that continuously comforted Joan on her journey.

Calling hours will be held on December 13, 2024 from 10 am until noon at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Watervliet NY 12189. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 12 noon. Interment at Memory Gardens immediately following.

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