ASHTON B.Sc, Ed.M, BEVERLY JOAN March 26, 1931 – December 1, 2020 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Beverly at the Toronto Grace Health Centre’s Palliative Care unit, after a short illness. Beverly was the daughter of Wanda (Thorne) Ashton and Edward Ashton who died when she was 3 years old.
She was brought up by her very special Grandmother – Edith. Thorne who died in 1949. Beverly was predeceased by her brother Monte (Blue) Ashton and sister Mona Spurway (Ashton). Beverly entered into the Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing, Class of February ’59. Upon graduation she worked in Toronto, Vancouver, London (England) and San Francisco before getting her Masters of Education at Columbia University, New York. She taught Nursing at Western University, The Nightingale School of Nursing and retired from the Government of Ontario Long Term Care division. Beverly had an active and full life and over the years developed many friendships. She was kind, caring and thoughtful. She will be missed. She was an active member of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church where she volunteered at the Food Bank, the Volunteer Office etc.
She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels at Yorkminister Baptist Church. When in London, Ontario, through Metropolitan United Church, she was involved in one of the first efforts to help resettle Vietnamese Refugees. Years later she was rewarded for her efforts when she met one of the children of these refugees who had become a nurse and worked at Grace Health Centre in Toronto. She was thrilled. Beverly loved to travel, she loved opera, live theatre and the cinema.
Trips to Stratford and Niagara on the Lake were a yearly event. Global travel was also one of her loves and she travelled extensively with her dear friend Lynda Leaf. Due to COVID restrictions, her graveside service with friends attending will be deferred until the spring of 2021. Bev was an advocate for many causes. Memorial Donations may be made in her name to the charity of your choice.