Obituary of Barbara Helen Ashley

ASHLEY, Barbara Helen

November 16, 1938 – Hamilton, Ontario

November 4, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Barbara Ashley passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 4, 2021, after a long battle with dementia.

Barbara was born on November 16, 1938, in Hamilton, ON, to Donald and Mabel (Young) Cameron and was the eldest of their four children. In 1959, Barb married Don Ashley in Hamilton, ON, and after several moves across Canada, they settled in Calgary in 1971. Upon arrival in Calgary, she joined the Newcomers Club and soon became President. Barb had a successful career in real estate with Cowley and Keith and in 1978 was made a member of the Presidents Club.

Barb had an enduring love of the Arts and following her successful real estate career, devoted her time to numerous art endeavours. She was a docent for the Glenbow Museum, on the board of directors for the Muttart Art Gallery, fundraising committee for the annual spring Banff Ball, planning and organizing the Great Chefs and Great Homes Charity fundraiser for the Alberta Ballet, board member of the Kids Help phone and a docent for the Olympic Arts Festival in 1988.

Barb decided to further her education and attended the University of Calgary where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. During this time, she studied Art History in Italy and Africa, including Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Mali. Travel has always been a love of hers, including trips with her family to Europe and then travelling extensively with Don to many destinations around the world. These highlights include a lifelong desire to visit Petra in Jordan and a trip to Egypt up the Nile and as far south as the Sudan.  Barb and Don travelled extensively in North America, touring many wineries and the sunny beaches of Mexico and Hawaii.

A private service will be held for family and friends. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Barbara’s obituary here.

In living memory of Barbara Ashley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.