Constance (“Connie”) Atwood Ashley, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter C. Ashley, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage before his passing in 2014.
She was born in Taunton, daughter of Leslie and Alice (Waller) Atwood. Connie graduated in 1964 from Dighton Rehoboth High School, and received an associate’s degree from Northeastern University in 1966.
Connie led a life marked by dedication, humor, and a deep love for her family. In her early years, she worked as an x-ray technician. After moving to Martha’s Vineyard in the late ’70s, she worked alongside her husband at C&W Power Equipment, where she served as the bookkeeper and an integral part of their shared endeavor.
Connie had a vibrant personality and a quick wit. She often joked about being a “hooker” on the side — clarifying with a smile that she meant rug hooking, one of her many creative hobbies. Her sense of humor was matched by her warmth and generosity. A voracious reader, Connie found joy in baking, books, and gardening. She was also an avid birdwatcher and animal lover in general.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Angela Ashley and Jacquelyn Ashley; her sister, Katherine Courtemanche; and her sisters-in-law, Edna Hopkins and Laurie Ashley; her brothers-in-law, Lenny Courtemanche, Clyde Ashley, Milton Ashley, Lewis Ashley, Wayne Hopkins, and Gary Willette. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Michael Pacheco and Jeff Pacheco, Rachael LaFleur, Gary Willette Jr., Nicolas Ashley, Danielle Ashley, Sara Hopkins, and Scott Hopkins. In addition to her husband, mother-in-law, and parents, Connie was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Joe Pacheco; and sisters-in-law Celeste Willette and Tammy Ashley.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lions Club of Dighton, P.O. Box 204, Dighton, MA 02715, or to your favorite animal rescue group, in Connie’s name would be greatly appreciated.
Connie’s celebration of life will take place on Oct. 3, from 11 am to 1 pm at her childhood home in Dighton. Family and friends are all invited. Please email Angela Ashley at 29windyhill@gmail.com for further details.
