August 15, 1963 – June 9, 2024
Charlene Anne Ashley of RR 1, Gowanstown, was born on August 15th, 1963 in Kitchener, Ontario. Charlene passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in the care of Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Char was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the beginning of May 2024. While her journey did not allow for much time, she fought like she lived fearlessly and selflessly.
Char was raised in Wallace Township by her mother June Lacroix and the late Tony Lacroix. She grew up being the middle child between her two sisters Jackie and the late Michelle. As a young woman Charlene built a beautiful life, she took chances by moving out west and providing for herself. Charlene luckily came home to share her life with her beloved husband Greg Ashley, the man who grew up down the road from her and shared the same school bus.
Greg and Char celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on May 27th, 2024. During these years they welcomed two daughters Laura and Lisa Ashley. Charlene was motherhood personified, her ability to be so warm and graceful will be remembered. What Charlene’s peace looks like is unknown to us, but her family takes great comfort knowing our Aunt Betty will be with her; hopefully, they will be in a meadow of pink flowers having coffee. Charlene will be remembered by her mother June, sister Jackie and nieces Jillian and Hannah. She was a devoted daughter-in-law to Ron and Doris Ashley and a doting friend and aunt to many others. Her loved ones will remember her love of delicious food. Charlene had a faithful following for her deviled eggs, cabbage rolls and oatmeal, chocolate-chip cookies. She took great pride in never having to bring any leftovers home from an event.
Charlene Ashley’s presence cannot be replaced, but her family will always remember her in the beauty they see every day. Charlene is now a warm coffee, enjoying the morning sun in her carport while the village unfolds around her, Charlene is now the invigorating feeling of cool beach water on your legs, is now the calming feeling of a midday nap with your cat, is now the blissful relief of having your loved one pick up the fourth nonsense call that day, is now the pure joy of getting a bullseye in an intense game of crokinole. Talking to Charlene was good for your soul, she saw you for who you are, not wanting to change you but to just share her light with you.
As per Charlene’s wishes she will be cremated. Please come to celebrate Charlene on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, from 1 – 5 pm at the Parkview Gardens in Listowel, Ontario. Her celebration of life will be enjoyed by many, as beautiful memories from her full life may be shared.
If you wish, donations in her memory may be made to the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, 80
Greenwood Dr., Stratford, ON N5A 0J1
Condolences & Donation information available at www.listowelfuneralhome.com
