Obituary of Carole N Ashmead

Carole Ashmead, revered as a true example of loving kindness, warmth, and joy for life, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 91.  

Carole’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Bill (age 97), her three children, Bill Jr, Scott, and Lori, her seven grandchildren - Megan, Kelly, Kim, Julia, Danny, Michael and Linda, and her five great grandchildren - Marie, Maeve, Rory, Nora, and Hank. 

Carole had a deep love for life, and she was known by most people as one of the most pleasant people they had ever met.  She had a great sense of humor and was often goofy and silly, especially with her grandchildren.  Here are a few highlights from a life well lived: 

As a girl, she lived near Shibe Park and would watch games with her grandmother from outside the gates.

As a young girl, she acted as a “runner” from the only phone (at the drugstore) to tell neighbors they had a phone call. 

She took great pride in her cheerleading career at West Philadelphia High school and shared the fight song with everyone. 

She was a passionate animal lover and was an involved Philadelphia “Wednesday” docent at the Philadelphia Zoo for many years.

As a docent, she initiated a program to sing Christmas Carols to the animals. 

Also as a docent, she traveled with the zoo on trips throughout the world to experience animal habitats.

She visited all fifty states!

She took tap dance lessons as a child, and continued a love of all types of dance throughout her life. 

She loved collecting, and throughout the years displayed duck decoys, miniature doll house furniture, Christmas “Carolers”, Noah’s Arks, and any and all Phillies memorabilia. 

She was the office manager for many years at Marc Publishing in Flourtown.

She created tons of photo albums and scrapbooks, and she kept Hallmark in business with her love of greeting cards. 

She was known to have the best snack drawer in the neighborhood, including various tastykakes.

She was a natural athlete and excelled at bowling, tennis, skiing, and golfing. 

Carole and Bill were active members of Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church ; Carole was a deacon, a Stephen Minister and Sunday School teacher at the church. 

She was very proud of her 4.0 GPA from Chestnut Hill College when she took a course in astronomy. 

She LOVED Ocean City and one of her favorite activities was taking the kids and grandkids to “eat our way” up the boardwalk - nothing was off limits. 

She was VERY adventurous and always encouraged her family to try new things and experience new places. 

Carole’s legacy is one of unyielding kindness, generosity and love, so it is fitting that she passed away on Valentine’s Day.  We love you so much and are so thankful for our time with you.

A celebration of life for Carole will take place on Sunday, May 4 at Masonic Village.  Greetings from 4pm – 5pm, ceremony starts at 5pm.