Mary Elizabeth Jean Ashton

Mary Elizabeth Jean (Cross) Ashton passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on September 23, 2023 in Vernon, B.C. at the age of 103 years.

Jean was born in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on September 21, 1920. She moved with her family to Toronto, Ontario as a baby and, following a few more moves, at 8 years old to Bridgeford and Meadow Lake Rapid View area, Saskatchewan. In 1942, she married Lawrence Ashton in Toronto where she later worked at Massey Harris during the War. In 1948, they returned to northern Saskatchewan and then to Saskatoon in 1953 where she later worked as a clerk and secretary at St. Paul’s Hospital and for her husband’s company, Bridge City Refrigeration. In 1988, Jean and Lawrence retired to Abbotsford, B.C. and, following the loss of her husband in 2003, she continued to reside in Abbotsford until moving near Falkland, B.C. in 2018. In November, 2019 she moved to a care home in Vernon, B.C where she resided until her passing.

A woman of great faith, she was an example to us all. She lived her life with courage and strength and gave of herself to her family and others. Throughout her life she was very involved in her church and music ministry as organist, pianist, and vocalist and served others in many capacities. She enjoyed many activities including sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting and china painting.

We would like to thank the staff at Noric House for the loving care they provided for Jean over the years and especially during her last days.

Jean is predeceased by her loving husband, Lawrence, son Kendall, granddaughter Cherilyn Mitchell, great granddaughters Mabel Flater and Kate Mitchell, great grandson William Grossinger, parents Henry and Emma Cross, brothers Cliff (Mayme) and Lloyd (Anne) Cross.

She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter Audrey (Dennis) La Claire, daughter-in-law Donna Ashton, granddaughters Jennifer (Tony) Boschmann, Shelley La Claire, Lori (Chris) Flater; grandson Shane Ashton, great granddaughter Ashlee Mitchell, grandson-in-law Bill Mitchell, great grandsons Lukas (Corinna) Boschmann, Jakob Boschmann, Jasper Flater, Logan Mitchell, Jacob Grossinger as well as many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A memorial service will take place at Abbotsford Baptist Church, 33561 Busby Road, Abbotsford, B.C  on October 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Abbotsford Baptist Church, if so desired.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: