Mrs. Helen C. (Horgan) Ashton, 89, died peacefully Thursday morning at the Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, surrounded by her immediate family. She was the last of 10 children, born to Bart and Margaret Horgan.
Born and educated in Haverhill, Massachusetts, she was a 1934 graduate of St. James High School, where she majored in business, in addition to regular course. After graduating, she worked for many prominent lawyers, as a legal secretary in Haverhill. Mrs. Ashton was retired from At. Augustine’s cafeteria, in Andover, where she had worked for many years, after her youngest son was in grammar school. She had lived in Andover for almost 60 years.
She was a member of St. Augustine Parish in Andover. Helen was very devoted to her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. When her kids were young, Helen loved to ice skate with them. Her hobbies included cooking, reading, gardening and traveling. She especially enjoyed her trips to Ireland and her many days at North Hampton Beach.
She is predeceased by her husband, Richard W. Ashton. Her survivors include daughter; Geraldine A. and her husband David Best of Andover; sons Richard J. and his wife Cynthia Ashton of Andover; David J. and his wife Lorna Ashton of Peabody; Brian C. and his wife Cynthia Ashton of Washougal, Washington; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral was celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, Saturday, January 6, 2007, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends were most welcome. Calling hours were in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover, Friday, January 5, 2007, from 4 to 8 PM. Burial was in St. James Cemetery, Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 147 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. For additional information, please visit www.burkemagliozzi.com.