Claire Lundberg Ashby

Claire Lundberg Ashby of Lititz, Pa died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at age 71.  Words cannot express the family’s feeling of grief at the loss of their loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.  She was the devoted wife and best friend of Richard J. Ashby, Jr., the loving mother of Douglas R. Ashby (husband of Danielle) of Allentown, PA, Elizabeth Ashby of Sylmar, CA, and Brian J. Ashby (husband of Robin) of Philadelphia, PA, the caring sister of Steve Lundberg (husband of Janet) of Charlotte, NC and Lee Lundberg (husband of Gemma) of Baden, PA, and the cherished grandmother to Madeline S. Ashby of Allentown.

Claire touched so many lives in positive ways with her gentle manner, her uncanny organizational skills and her wonderful creativity.  A graduate of Wittenberg University with a Bachelor’s Degree, she earned her Master’s Degree at Ohio State University and Millersville University.  She was a skilled and compassionate teacher of elementary students.  After raising her family she helped create and develop a drug and alcohol prevention curriculum for children and taught it at the Eastern Lancaster School District for many years.

Active in many charitable and social organizations, she loved her sisters in the PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) and devoted much time and effort in helping provide scholarships for women.  She was a long-time leader in the AAUW Bethlehem PA Chapter and worked diligently planning and organizing their annual book sale.  She gathered with some of her best friends monthly in a book group affectionately called Bertha’s Buddies.

A member of Grace Lutheran Church, she was a true leader in many church activities from serving as Church Council President, Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, a Circle Leader, and primary driver of the congregation’s Shepherds. No task was too large or small for her to accomplish with her characteristic energy and skill.

A private family burial service is planned.  Her wonderfully full life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service at Grace Lutheran Church, Lancaster on Saturday, November 21, 2015.  Friends will be received by the family beginning at 9:30 AM with the Service beginning at 11:00 AM.  The Memorial Celebration will be followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Claire’s honor to Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17602, or PEO Foundation, 904 Suffolk Dr., Lititz, PA 17543, or AAUW, 1111 Sixteenth St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.