Mary Ashley

Mary Ellen Ashley (nee Austin)
Age 72 - Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on May 24, 2022.

Mom was born in Red Wing, MN. She was the youngest of 3 children born to Raymond and Elmira Austin. Mom’s love of meeting new people and enjoying new experiences led her to move to the Twin Cities.  She settled in Vadnais Heights where she raised us to be hard working, compassionate individuals with a strong connection to the Catholic Church.  Mom’s spirit of continuing her journey, knowing God would always be at her side led her to Lincoln, Nebraska where she finished out her career.  It may have been a bit too windy in Nebraska as she let those winds sail her back to the Twin Cities after retirement to be closer to family.  Courtney inherited Mom’s sense of seeking out new places and experiences.  Courtney eventually ended up meeting her soul mate, Ian, in Australia.  Mom spent the rest of her years trying to keep up with Courtney and her Grandkids which meant traveling to Australia, the U.K., Egypt, and many other wonderful places.  Mom, we know this is not the end but a new beginning, thank you for all the wonderful things you did in your time on earth, and we look forward to watching you bowl again when our times come to join you.  She is preceded in death by her parents. Mom is survived by her children, Mathew, Courtney (Ian) de Cruz and Joseph (Christina); her two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Ethan de Cruz and by her siblings, Mike Austin and Kathy (Les) Wellen. Mass of Christian burial 11am on Tuesday, June 7^th at St. John’s of Little Canada, 380 Little Canada Rd E. Visitation will begin at 10am. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, MN with her children and grandchildren.