Barbara Elizabeth Ashley

Barbara was born on November 10, 1941 in Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine to parents Martin F. Curran and Margaret T. (Folan) Curran of Galway, Ireland. Barbara was one of four children. Barbara attended St. Dominic’s grade school and Cathedral High school where she was the Valedictorian of Class of 1959. After High school, she attended Saint Joseph’s College located in Standish, Maine.

Barbara began working at New England Telephone Company and stayed there for 40 years, working in accounting. Barbara married Richard L. Ashley on July 4, 1964 at Saint Dominic’s Church, Portland, Maine. Together, they had three sons; Martin, Sean, and Richard. Barbara was a vocal fan in the crowd for her husband and three boys when they participated in athletics. She loved watching her sons play sports, especially swim meets and all cheverus athletic games. She relishes her time with her family at Two Lights State Park, Sebago Lake, and trips to Florida with her husband.

Barbara was a very charitable person who was a consistent donor to Saint Jude’s Children Hospital. She was a communicant to St. Dominic’s Church. She was also the rock and cornerstone of her family. She held them together in good and difficult times. Her family and community were very important to her. She spent her whole life being selfless, loving, and Kind.

Barbara is predeceased by her brother Thomas F. Curran of Portland, Maine. She is survived by her husband, Richard L. Ashley; Her children Martin T. Ashley, Sean P. Ashley & Susan (Wallace) Ashley, Richard R. Ashley & Amy (McMullin) Ashley. Her grandchildren; Julia E. Ashley, Margaret C. Ashley, Kathleen A. Ashley, Brody T. Ashley, Shayla R. Ashley, Annie E. Ashley, Michael L. Ashley, and Lucy R. Ashley. Her Siblings; Miss Mary (Maureen) Curran and Mrs. Ann (Curran) Comtois.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Catholic Church Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 am. Interment will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland, ME.

In lieu of flowers, Please donate to the Gosnell Hospice House. The family wishes to extend their utmost gratitude to Gosnell, especially Nurse Mary.

“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away”.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Ashley family.