Catherine Anne Ashby

Catherine Anne Bouchard Ashby, 77, of Easton, MD, passed away at Bayleigh Chase Assisted Living on December 14, 2024. She entered the world on May 16, 1947, in Panama City, Florida, as the daughter of Wilfred Arthur Bouchard and Vivian Beatrice Salyer. Cathy attended Surrattsville High School and graduated in 1965. She began her undergraduate studies at Towson University and completed her degree at American University. Determined to further her education, she worked full-time while attending night classes at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she earned her J.D. Cathy met Robert Ashby at the Prince George's County courthouse, where their love story began. They married on March 14, 1987, and spent 19 wonderful years together, creating cherished memories until Bob passed away in 2006. For over 30 years, Cathy served as a dedicated trust attorney for the state of Maryland. In 1994, the book Women of Achievement in Prince George’s County History recognized her contributions. She committed her career to protecting society’s most vulnerable members, ensuring their rights and interests remained secure. Cathy’s deep compassion and unwavering commitment to justice defined her work. She lived by strong moral principles and devoted herself to helping others. Cathy cared deeply for her family and friends. After retiring, she moved to Easton, Maryland, and became an active member of the Bayleigh Chase community. She forged new friendships, rekindled old ones, and embraced the vibrant community life. She served on the community board, where others valued her thoughtful leadership. She found joy in playing bridge, spending time with her friends, and experiencing the warmth and belonging that Bayleigh Chase uniquely provided. Her wit, intellect, and genuine concern for others defined her, and her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who knew her. Cathy’s husband, Robert Ashby, her brother, Stephen Bouchard, and her parents, Wilfred and Vivian Bouchard, passed away before her. She leaves behind her son, Sean Ashby (Shelby Zimmerman); her beloved grandson, Rhett Ashby; her sister, Renée Bouchard; her nieces, Elise Bouchard Rhodes and Cheryl Fox; Robert’s daughter, Denise Talbert; her granddaughters, Erin Daly (Jeff Daly) and Cailin Talbert; and her great-grandchildren, Timothy, Anthony, Thea, Nicholas, Benjamin, and Aurelia Daly; Robert’s son, Rolfe “Ed” Ashby; grandson Rolfe Edward Ashby Jr., granddaughter Leanne Morisi (John); and great-grandchildren Meagan and Katie Morisi. Cathy’s loved ones will honor her life with a Mass on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Easton, MD. Later that day, they will hold a graveside service at 3 p.m. at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville, MD. To honor Cathy’s memory, her family welcomes charitable donations to Talbot Hospice of Easton, MD, or Pickering Creek Audubon Center of Easton, MD.

Catherine Anne Ashby

May 16, 1947 - December 14, 2024