Dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and school teacher, Ruth Mary Crowley Ashe, age 93, of Vernon, CT passed away at her home on May 2, 2017. Born on January 19, 1924, in New Haven, Ruth was the daughter of the late Walter and Kathryn Crowley and was predeceased by a brother, Walter Crowley Jr. Ruth was fortunate to have not one but two loves of her life. Ruth met and married James P. Galligan at the age of 22 in New Haven, CT in 1946. The couple settled in Upper State New York where they adopted their first child, Patricia Ann. They later relocated to Coventry, CT and had their second child, a delightful surprise, Paula Ann. Shortly after buying their first home in Vernon, tragedy hit the young family. Jim was killed in an auto accident at the young age of 39 in 1963. Resilient, strong and determined to set an example, Ruth continued working as a teacher and raising both daughters as a single mother until meeting and marrying one of her students widowed father, William Ashe. The family doubled in size with daughter, Nancy Jane and son, William Jr., in a very Brady bunch fashion. Her loyal dog Ehsa rounded out the family. William passed away at the age of 69 in 1987. Two loving and exemplary marriages kept the blended family strong and solidified, never faltering. Although very uncommon in her day, Ruth put herself through college, working in the chemistry lab and switchboard, graduating with her bachelors degree from Albertus Magnus College at the age of 20. While Jim worked as a conservationist in the Finger Lakes region in the state of New York, she began her career teaching in a 1-room schoolhouse, with students kindergarten through high school-aged. Her favorite were the 3rd-grade students at Northeast School in Vernon where she taught for 24 years before retiring. It was not uncommon for students 40 years past her influence to stop her and thank “Mrs. Ashe” for the impact she had on their lives. After retiring she volunteered at Northeast School, Rockville Hospital and St. Bernard’s school. She later became President of the School Board of St. Bernard’s School. Ruth was a devoted and loving matriarch. She was very proud of her family and was excited to become “Grandma” to her five granddaughters, and even more excited to become a great-grandmother. Ruth loved holidays and traditions; any chance to spend time with her family was important to her. She would don her pearls, her earrings, have her hair done, her lipstick on and nails painted for every occasion. She was never without a splash of Jean Nate. Ruth was known for her sharp wit, her positive nature and good sense of humor. She loved her social calendar including lunch with her teacher’s club, her weekly hair appointment with Joyce at Signature Salon and outings to Foxwoods with her wonderful friend Maggie. She will be missed by all that knew her. Her circle grew as she bonded with her special health aides, Kathy Buonanducci, Meg Phillips-Lamay, and Janet Twumasi. Her family will be forever grateful to each of them for the loving care they provided. Ruth is survived by her children, William Ashe, Jr., Patricia Begin, Nancy Mattson and her husband Bill Mattson, and Paula Michaud and her husband Gary Michaud. She also leaves her grandchildren Kate and Erik Wennerberg, Melody Gambino, Heidi and Matt Gingerella, Nicole Michaud and boyfriend Berto Amaro and Monique and Michael Lawrence. Ruth is survived by four great-grandsons, Ben Wennerberg and Luke, Jack and Hunter Gingerella. Ruth’s life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial, which will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, May 12, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Church, Rockville. (Please meet at Church). Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Rockville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Northeast School, 69 East St, Vernon CT. For online condolences please visit www.pietrasfuneralhome.com
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