KATHLEEN JOYCE (JOY) ASHTON
KATHLEEN JOYCE (JOY) ASHTON Joy Ashton died in Honolulu on March 9, 2014 following a short illness. She was born in Birmingham, England on April 15, 1927 where she lived until emigrating to Canada. She returned to England to marry Geoffrey C. Ashton on February 17, 1951, resulting in a marriage that lasted 61 years. In pursuit of his scientific career, they moved to Australia and, in 1964, to Honolulu, where Geoff joined the faculty of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Although Joy primarily viewed herself as a wife and mother, she worked for 25 years on the administrative staff in the Department of Psychiatry and the Dean's Office of John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In retirement, Joy and Geoff traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries and all seven continents. Her most eagerly anticipated trips were to Africa to see the animals, where the elephants were particular favorites. She was predeceased by husband Dr. Geoffrey C. Ashton, and is survived by daughters Carolyn (David) Gire, Kathryn (Bill) Sthay, Dr. Melinda Ashton (Dr. Ken Perske); son Jon Ashton; daughter-in-law Diane Ashton; grandchildren Julian, Jennifer and Christopher Gire, Adam (Allison) Sthay, Samantha (Sean) Fannon, Scott Perske, and Geoffrey and Lindsey Ashton; great-grandchildren Ashton and Amanda Sthay. She is also survived by several cousins in England. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be sent to Save the Elephants (www.savetheelephants.org) or to Straub Foundation. At her request, there will be no services.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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