Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
MASSENA - Gretchen A. Ashley, age 76, passed away at her home in Massena on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Friends and family may be received on Thursday, November 5, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Phillips Memorial Home in Massena, and Friday, November 6, 2026 9:00 am until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will follow in Visitation Cemetery, Norfolk. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home in Massena.
Born in Massena on December 26, 1949 to Beulah LaRue and adopted by Joseph Suzdak. She graduated from Massena High School in 1968. On August 23, 1986 she married William “Bill” Ashley, in Massena. Gretchen was a cook for many years, at St. Mary’s Rectory. She like to volunteer at the Massena Rescue Squad, Massena Catholic Church and the Massena Humane Society, where a lot of the cats would come home with her. She also would love to spend time with all of her Aunts until their passing and surviving Aunt, Bertha Mott.
Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Rebecca and Michael Steinberger of Denmark, WI, three granddaughters, Courtney and Jacob, Meghan and Lovly, and Nicole and Dylan all of WI. Three step children, Scott and Mary Ashely of Massena, Tina and Greg Brais of Tampa, FL, and Timothy and Lara Ashley of Rochester, NY. Four step grandchildren. Two half-sisters, Gail and Charlene. Special thank you to Hospice and everyone who helped with all her care, and those who visited.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gretchen’s name to the Massena Humane Society PO Box, 145, Massena, NY 13662.
