Margaret E Ashley

MADISON-Margaret Ellen (Browne) Ashley, age 93, passed away after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Heritage Monona.  She was born on Sept. 27, 1924, in Madison, the only child of Myrtle (McCredie) and Charles Browne.  Margaret attended Sunnyside Elementary School and graduated from Madison East High School in 1942.  In 1944, she married the love of her life, William Ashley.  They were married for 74 years and had three daughters, Judy Zielinski and twins, Kathleen Scott and Katherine Christenson.  They remained on the Eastside all their married life, except for a brief time in Sarasota, Florida while Bill was in the U.S. Air Force.  This is where their first daughter, Judy was born.  After the girls were in school at Sunnyside Elementary, Margaret started working at Elaine-Madison Legal Briefs as a secretary.  She retired in 1979, after 25 years.  Margaret enjoyed knitting, furniture refinishing, volunteer work at St. Mary’s Hospital and Olbrich Gardens, collecting elephants, vacations to Florida, sweet treats and cards.  Margaret and Bill were in the same Euchre card club for over 60 years.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her four grandsons and four great-grandsons.  Margaret is survived by her husband, Bill; daughters, Kathleen Scott and Katherine Christenson; four grandsons, Brian Scott, Christopher Scott, Matthew (Kim) Zielinski and Scott (Sarah) Zielinski; four great-grandsons, Dayton, Kai, William and Asher; and other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Judy Zielinski in 2008; and son-in-law, Bruce Zielinski in 2017.  A memorial service will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North St, Madison, at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.  Inurnment at Roselawn Memorial Park will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Bashford United Methodist Church, Dane County Humane Society, Heartland Hospice or a charity of your choice.  A special thanks for the loving care from Heartland Hospice and Heritage Monona Memory Care.  Her caregivers were exceptionally kind to mom.  We are forever grateful.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.  Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420