Obituary of Helen Irene Ashton

It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Irene Ashton (nee Cliff) announces her peaceful passing on Monday, April 23, 2018, at the age of 95, at Fairmount Home. She will be dearly missed by Jack, her loving husband of 72 years and their two children Terry Ashton (Cathy) and Ann-Louise Richard (Roger) and lovingly remembered by grandchildren Christine Brown (Paul), James Ashton (Wendy) Christopher Richard (Jennifer), and Alyssa Furtado (Robert), as well as great-grandchildren Jake, Ella, Brady, Kate, Scarlett, Emily, William and Elliot. Helen was born on September 24, 1922 to Gordon and Annie Cliff and was their only child. She grew up in Kingston where she attended Rideau Public School, KCVI and Business School. While working at the Royal Bank, she met Jack and in 1946 they were married. Soon after, they started a family. Helen later returned to work outside the home and retired from Queen's University-School of Business in 1987 after 25 years of service. Living in Calvin Park for 46 years on Cliff Crescent, a street named after the Cliff Family home on Portsmouth Avenue, Helen enjoyed gardening, cooking, dancing and any opportunity to spend time with family that was so important to her. She was active in her community as a Beta Sigma Phi sorority sister, Hotel Dieu Hospital volunteer and Cataraqui Golf Club curling member. Together with Jack, retirement in the winter months was spent enjoying the weather, golf and their many friends, who also wintered in the Fort Myers area. Many happy summers were enjoyed at the family cottage in Bath, on Lake Ontario. Helen enjoyed the outdoors and ventured outside for a walk every day she could, but sadly this ability was compromised in November 2016, when she fell and broke her hip. In 2017, Helen transitioned to Fairmount Home along with Jack, where she was an active participant in many programs and events. Our profound thanks to the staff of Fairmount Home for their compassionate care and support in helping to ease our mom's crossing from this life's path onto the next. Special thanks, as well, to the staff of Kingsdale Chateau for the kindness and support Mom received during the time Helen and Jack lived there. In keeping with Helen's wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service and inurnment will take place at Cataraqui Cemetery in early summer. If desired, memorial donations in Helen's name can be made to University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Fairmount Home or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to CATARAQUI CEMETERY AND FUNERAL SERVICES.