Margaret-Ann Ashton

Margaret-Ann Ashton passed away in Bend, OR on Oct. 15, 2022 after a three-month illness with pancreatic cancer. Margaret-Ann was born on Feb. 2, 1942 in Brandon, Manitoba to Harold and Marguerite (Buchanan) Lowes. She grew up on the family farm in the Canadian prairies and attended primary school in a one-room schoolhouse, sometimes getting there via horse or horse-drawn sleigh. She later attended St. Michael's Academy, where she pursued piano, before attending Brandon College and the University of Manitoba, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. She worked for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and later spent time in New York City working with the visually impaired. While there, she attended Helen Keller's 80th birthday. Margaret-Ann married David H. Ashton on Aug. 9, 1966 at Knox United Church in Brandon. They subsequently moved to the United States and lived in North Carolina, where David received his PhD in microbiology; Maryland, where son Chris was born; New Jersey, where daughter Karen was born; Brea, California, where both kids were raised; retired to Fallbrook, California; and later moved to Bend, Oregon. In addition to being a homemaker and raising her children, Margaret-Ann had many hobbies and interests. She was a self-described artist. Among her many passions, she enjoyed genealogy, gardening, butterfly ecology, decorating Ukrainian eggs, floral arranging, photography, sewing, stitching and quilting. Margaret-Ann corresponded with friends and family worldwide and was known for her frequent emails, detailed letters and hand-made cards. She was active in a variety of groups and organizations, often rising to a leadership role. These included the neighborhood women's club, church governance, Daughters of the British Empire and the Fallbrook Garden Club. At Touchmark in Bend, OR, she managed a community courtyard garden for several years. She is survived by her husband, David Ashton; daughter Karen Cadman and son-in-law Peter; son Chris Ashton and daughter-in-law Robyn; granddaughters Cameron, Payton, and Jamie; sister Fran Wershler and brother-in-law Darcy; and sister-in-law Fay Lowes. She will be laid to rest at Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, OR in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Make a Gift | CNIB or the American Cancer Society Memorial and Honor Giving | American Cancer Society.

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Margaret-Ann Ashton

February 2, 1942 - October 15, 2022