June G. Ashton, 86, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2011 in Chicago. Her husband of 61 years, John B. Ashton preceded her in death on March 19, 2010. She was born in Worcester, MA, daughter of Dwight M. and Eleanor (Wigren) Goodale. Her early years were spent in West Boylston, MA where she attended local schools. She graduated from North Park Jr. College in Chicago and later from Northwestern University.
In the mid 1940's she spent time working at the Woods Hole Institute on Cape Cod as well as time working with Pearl McGowan Hooked Rugs of West Boylston, MA. After her marriage and move to Chicago she worked several years for Encyclopedia Britannica. June then worked as an associate with an Interior Design firm and discovered her true calling. She formed June G. Ashton Interiors which allowed her to follow her interest in artistic design. As a successful designer her work was noted and sought by a very prestigious clientele in the Chicago area.
June was a member of the West Boylston Historical Society. Although she was a distance from the area she maintained a strong passion for her Goodale/West Boylston heritage. She was also a member of the Chicago Lyric Opera Society.
She is survived by a sister, Ruth G. Skagerlind and her husband Chester of Worcester, MA and a brother, Dwight M. Goodale Jr. and his wife Jean of West Boylston; nieces and nephews include Mark and Gary Skagerlind and Linnea Goodale Olson; great nieces and nephews include Abrial, Jamie, Jenna, Kyle, Kevin and Katy Skagerlind and Jeffrey, Kristin and Jenna Olson.
Burial will be Saturday, April 16, 2011, at 11:00 in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in West Boylston. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605 is directing arrangements. Any Memorials may be donated to West Boylston Historical Society, 65 Worcester Street, P.O Box 201, West Boylston, MA 01583.
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