I cannot *believe* this...
Susan Garcia Ashton, 59, of Whitesboro, ended her courageous fight with breast cancer at home on April 7, 2007. Born in East Orange, NJ, on February 2, 1948, Susan was the daughter of Victor R. and Elizabeth Garcia. Susan is a graduate of Whitesboro Central Schools and earned her Bachelor's Degree from Elmira College and Master's Degree from SUNY Cortland. She married James Ashton in 1969 in Whitesboro. Susan was a dedicated 9th grade Global Studies teacher at Whitesboro High School, and retired in 2003 after 33 years of doing what she loved. Sue truly valued family and has instilled the importance of this priority in all of her family that she leaves. She is survived by her husband, James; daughter, Jennifer Ashton Robinson; and son-in-law, Brian Robinson, of Harrisburg, PA; and her son, Michael Ashton and fiance, Sarah Hart, of Whitesboro. She also leaves her four sisters, Mary Jane Fitzgerald of Canastota, NY, Amalia and Fred Quist of Fort Johnson, NY, Kathy King of Parrish, FL, and Linda and Michael Tolpa of Marcy, NY; and her parents, Betty and Buzz Garcia, of Whitesboro. Sue was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews, as well; Emily Fitzgerald, Kelly and Erica Quist, Michele and Lindsay Tolpa, Jared, Justin and Joshua King, Lane, Cheryl, and Kara Ashton, and Kimberly and Peter Adam. Sue leaves behind many friends, as she was a friend to all. She was also an amazing, giving, and caring mother, wife, sister, aunt, daughter, mentor, role model, and teacher. She gave off a positive, fun, loving feeling to everyone. Sue touched the lives of everyone she met, whether in the classroom, on the sidelines of sporting events, at the large family dinner table, or by knitting for people. The family wishes to thank all who helped during these past months. For those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Susan, please consider the Whitesboro Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, or Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling hours will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, Forty Main Street, Whitesboro. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 11, at 9:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.dimblebyfriedelfuneralhomes.com.
Hands down, my favorite teacher @ Whitesboro High. She will be sorely missed. I'll never forget her cute stories and trademark ways to help you remember Global Studies, which in her own words, was key to doing well on "Jeopardy." What I remember most from September 11, 2001 was sitting in her classroom, numb but okay because she was like a mother to all of us and calmed us when we were all so confused and scared. It makes me cry to even believe this is happening! She will be sorely missed, and forever in my heart. RIP Mrs. Ashton -- we will always love you.
Hands down, my favorite teacher @ Whitesboro High. She will be sorely missed. I'll never forget her cute stories and trademark ways to help you remember Global Studies, which in her own words, was key to doing well on "Jeopardy." What I remember most from September 11, 2001 was sitting in her classroom, numb but okay because she was like a mother to all of us and calmed us when we were all so confused and scared. It makes me cry to even believe this is happening! She will be sorely missed, and forever in my heart. RIP Mrs. Ashton -- we will always love you.