Mary Jo Ashton

Mary Jo (Canavan) Ashton, aged 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

Born December 9th, 1952, in Lowell, MA, Mary Jo was the oldest child of the late Joseph Canavan and the late Mary (Sheehan) Canavan of Newtown Square, PA.

Mary Jo graduated from Radnor High School in 1970 and attended Cabrini College. After a long career with IBM that took her to North Carolina, Mary Jo returned to the Philadelphia area, reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Joseph Ashton, and began working at Home Depot in Springfield, a job she truly enjoyed.

Mary Jo loved spending time with her many close friends and family, and her loyal dog, Sophie. As the oldest of seven children, Mary Jo was always available to listen without judgement and extend a helping hand. She courageously fought her way back from multiple medical setbacks over many years, often defying the odds, as a testament to her emotional strength and fortitude.

Mary Jo is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, Joseph Ashton; her loving siblings, Patricia Beam, Nancy Morrison, Joseph Canavan, Patrick Canavan, Joanne Atkinson, and John Canavan. She was the cherished aunt of David Morrison and the late Patrick Canavan, Jr. She is also survived by her brother-in-law’s, Walt Lion, Michael Atkinson, and Jonathon Bailey, as well as her extended family and many friends who will miss her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to her Viewing, Monday evening, September 15, 2025, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA, and on Tuesday morning, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, followed by her Funeral Mass, 11:00 AM. Interment thereafter at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary Jo’s memory would be appreciated to the American Legion Post 547, 233 Simpson Road, Ardmore, PA 19003.