SOUTHBURY, CT. – Clara Ann Ashby, 93, formerly of Westford, MA., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, CT.

Clara was born July 22, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pa, the daughter of Paul A. Bessinger and Clara V. Bessinger (Davis). She graduated from Bristol High School in 1949 and in August 1953 she married her high school sweetheart, Joseph A. Ashby Sr., to whom she was married 66 years until his passing in 2020.

After raising their four children, Clara worked at Triple A Supermarket (Acton) and Middlesex Savings Bank (Westford). After retirement, they spent time in Myrtle Beach S.C. and Bradenton Fla. before settling at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury. She and Joseph traveled extensively throughout the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Europe (more than 20 countries), Australia, New Zealand, South America and the Caribbean. Some of her greatest travel memories included a voyage on the Queen Mary 2 from Great Britain to New York City and annual vacations at Camp-of-the-Woods in Speculator, NY. She was passionate about taking long walks with her dog Penny, listening to and watching her beloved Red Sox, spending time at the beach and enjoying time with family.

Clara was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph A. Ashby Sr., her brother Paul Bessinger Jr., sister-in-law Lois Bessinger and her lifelong best friend Violet Jones. She is survived by her four children Debra Ashby Carlson and her husband, Doug, Diane Ashby Bresson and her husband, Ken, Joseph Ashby Jr. and his wife, Lynne, and James Ashby and his wife, Meredith. She also had seven grandchildren Christina Carlson Quensen, Michael Carlson, Kelley Holahan Johnson, Kristin Holahan Snellings, Leigh Holahan, Ryan Ashby and Renee Ashby and five great-grandchildren, Erik Carlson, Noah Quensen, Eli Quensen, Charlie Snellings and  Ryshan, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, May 31st at Eastford Baptist Church, 133 Union Rd. Eastford, CT. Burial will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL.

To leave an online condolence please visit munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.