Ashley passed away on January 14 at the age of 29. A beautiful, happy, curious soul, she entered our lives on February 22, 1996. Ashley grew up in Arvada, Colorado and her gentle and easy going spirit truly touched everyone in her path. She began writing music in the 5th grade and by high school had such advanced theoretical knowledge that her music teachers would, on occasion, consult with her. I’m remembering her senior literature teacher giving her his best wishes on becoming the next great American composer. While attending UNC, she was one of just a few students privately tutored as a composition major, and as a junior, a rare performance (of an opera scene) from an undergraduate’s work, her work, was performed by their opera department. Her music lives on in our hearts. Her beautiful and exceptionally wired brain ultimately led to a struggle with mental illness in her final years. We love her so much… her memory will continue on in our hearts.
