ASHBY, Mona Joyce

July 8, 1931 — June 22, 2023

Mona Ashby passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023, with her loving family beside her as the warm White Rock summer day came to an end. Mona was a truly special mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and loving wife, who leaves behind so many wonderful memories to cherish.

Born on July 8, 1931, in Neemuch, India, Mona moved to Santa Cruz, India with her family when she was a small child. Mona would often reminisce about her time in Santa Cruz, playing in the ocean at Juhu beach, and her upbringing at the Saint Teresa’s Convent where, from an early age, her zest for life often resulted in a trip to Mother Superior’s Office. Mona attended Saint Teresa’s convent until she graduated and moved to Leicester, U.K. in her late teens to live with close family friends. Aunty Pearl, Uncle Terrance, June, and Val quickly became a second family to Mona.

It was in Leicester where Mona met the love of her life, Frank Ashby, who was stationed in the U.K. at the North Luffenham Air Force base shortly after the war. They met at a dance held on the base, and it was love at first site. Frank proposed on February 14, 1954, and they were married four months later on June 12, 1954. Shortly after they were married, Frank was transferred to Marville, France where they lived prior to being sent to Montreal, QC in 1957. It was here that Debra was born, in 1960, and their family started. In 1961, they were transferred once again, to CFB Greenwood, NS where a year later in Middleton, Gary was born and the family was complete. Frank retired from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1968 and moved the family to Kelowna, their forever home.

Frank predeceases Mona; as do siblings Gerald, Sheila, and Trevor. She is survived by her children: Debra (Dave) and Gary (Connie); grandchildren: Jennifer (Brandon), Sarah (Joel), Bradley, and Gregory; great grandchildren: Ava, Ellis, and Isla; sister: Jean McCarthy; and nieces: Michelle (Darren, and their children Matt and Nick), and Christel (Claus).

Mona was happiest in her kitchen on Pandosy Street, preparing bottomless meals for family and friends, where all were welcome with a glowing smile and a big hug at any hour of the day. Mona’s favorite recipes, such as hamburger cupcakes, upside down pineapple cake, and chicken wings, would be prepared well in advance and ready to be served to guests at a moment’s notice. Mona always ate last, and was the epitome of selflessness – she spent her life in service to her family and friends.
With the arrival of grandchildren and great grandchildren, Mona found endless energy to feed, entertain, and care for new generations of family members looking up to her. No activity was ever out of bounds for her grandkids, who spent countless Kelowna summer days at the beach, Flintstones Park, Old MacDonald’s Farm, or feeding the ducks at Mill Creek before camping out in the back yard, surrounded by her garden, seemingly forever in bloom.

Mona will be missed with immense heartache and a longing to see her once again, sitting on her porch on Pandosy Street on a warm summer evening with a radiant smile, waiting for her family to arrive.

There will be a small family memorial when Mona is placed alongside her beloved Frank at the Kelowna Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mona’s name to the charity of your choice.

Rest in peace, GG.

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