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Mary Ashton (née Dowling)
June 22, 1945 – February 9, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ashton, a devoted mother, grandmother, and mentor. Mary dedicated her life to the growth and wellbeing of children—first as a mother to her three sons, and later as a long-time volunteer with the Scouting movement (Beavers and Cubs) and a career as an Educational Assistant.
Though she began her working life as a bank teller, Mary found her true calling in the classroom and the great outdoors. She was often found tending to her vibrant flower garden, which served as a living scrapbook of her travels; it was famously adorned with rocks she hand-picked from across the Maritimes. Whether the destination was Alma, Pugwash, Joggins, or Bass River, Mary loved the freedom of a winding road and a long drive.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Gerald; her parents, Allan and Gwenna (Lewis) Dowling; her infant brother, Peter; and her beloved grandson, Noah. Her memory will be cherished by her sons, Edward (Kelli), Michael (Anne), and John (Laura), and her grandchildren, Nick, Eli, Oliver, Charlotte, and Bennett, Step grandson Francis Warman, brother Angus (Ruth), Sister-in-law Dawne MacCallum along with nieces and nephews.
At her request, no formal service will be held. A cremation will take place and a private family burial will take place at Fair Haven Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick or The Monteagle Cemetery Monteagle NB.
The family invites you to sign an online book of condolences at:
www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca
Arrangements under the professional care of
Passage Funeral Co-operative and Cremation Centre
Our condolences to Eddie, Micheal, John and all family. Mary was a very generous, loving and involved person in the neighborhood and community. We remember her fondly as do Jeremy, Derrick and Leslie for her care to them while growing up on Heather Drive.
Sending much love to all of you in this difficult time. We will remember Mary always.
David & Linda Price.
Sincere condolences to Mary’s family. I was a friend of Mary’s at Grace Haven. We spent a lot of evenings sitting in the lobby talking. I miss our evening chats
To the Ashton family (Mike). My heartfelt sympathies to you during this trying time.
My condolences to John,Mike and Eddie.I have fond memories of Mary when she worked at Uplands as a TA in my classroom, Thinking of you all at this difficult time,(((Hugs)))
Sincere Condolences to all her family, a lovely lady very involved in the Beaver, Cubs and Scout organization. She
touched many lives and made a real difference , she will be remembered and missed.
Rest in peace aunt Mary, you are now once again wrapped in your husbands arms (uncle Gerald) ❤️
Condolences to Ed, Mike and John and families on the passing of your mother Mary. We have good memories of Mary and Gerry that go back many years. Both beautiful people. Howard and Mary Parlee
Michael, Eddie and John, I’m so so sorry about your Mom. She was like a mom to all of us in the neighbourhood. I will always remember her pouring her hot syrup in the snow for us to eat after it hardened, and all her cool “mom” tricks she had that made her so wonderful to have around as a kid in the “hood”. I’m sure she will be remembered by so many kids after we grew up and left the area, she was such an impactful person with her kind heartfelt ways.
I am so sad for you and your families as you grieve her now and I send you my deepest sympathy ❤️🩹.
Mary was always so welcoming whenever we would visit with you in NB- no matter what shenanigans we were up to! I remember our last visit (a number of years ago) with all of our littles running around and she couldn’t have been happier. She was always so kind to us. Sending you all love during this time
Our condolences to Mary’s family. Mary was a great friend and neighbour , with a good heart and a great personality. She and Gerry will be remembered for their part of the Salisbury road community. My Dad used to see her at the bank and always commented on what a great gal she was. Rest in peace.
I knew Mary through my involvement with Scouts Canada and felt privileged to know her as a friend and work with her on many occasions. Extending my sincere sympathies to her family.
Dear Eddie and family. I was so saddened to hear from Sean that your Mother passed away. My sincere sympathies. She was a good soul and I will always think kindly of her. May she rest in peace ♥️
Mary, your name brings to me so many great memories of you involved with the local Scouting groups and how you loved it. And how the youth loved you too. So much laughter, packing and going to camp weekend after weekend, setting up camp in the rain or shine, preparing for the weekly meetings but always having fun as we went. Jerry was always there as well. The Leadership training sessions you prepared for and delivered to countless adults on WBI & WBII weekends were great times. You loved the adult Scouting fellowship we shared that the Scouts program gives us. Some of the songs were sung poorly but we sang them anyways and the youth loved every minute. Mary, you were a delight and all who knew you will miss you dearly. But you are now Gone Home. Rest. Until we meet again.
My condolences to the Ashton Family. Mary and Gerry were regularly at the Badge shop Scouts Canada on Botsford St . It was a pleasure working with them at events. I have good memories. RIP Mary