Carolyn A. (Kish) Ashenfelter

Carolyn A. Ashenfelter, 79, died at home on November 5, 2021, following a lengthy illness. Sons Mark and Scott were by her side as she passed.

A lifelong resident of Coatesville; Carolyn, born on Pearl Harbor Day, was the daughter of the late John and Mary Kish. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Leon C. “Bones” Ashenfelter, Jr.  She was also preceded in death by her brother, Dennis, and her sister, Barbara Kish (Mahoney). In addition to her children, she leaves behind a sister, Diana McCarthy.

A 1959 graduate of Coatesville High School, Carolyn was a stay at home Mom before beginning her work for the Coatesville Area School District.  She worked in various capacities during her career, including working as a reading specialist, a library aide, and as staff in the child development classroom.

A gifted baker, Carolyn often kept busy baking cakes in the evenings after work, filling orders placed by friends and co-workers. Often, she would bake cakes for special occasions, while sometimes she baked them just for her family to enjoy. Carolyn baked hundreds (or more) of cakes over the years, and everyone loved them and the delicious frosting she made.

Carolyn was also a loyal pen pal to many. Long before the internet, people close to Carolyn would often find a large envelope filled with letters, newspaper clippings, recipes, and magazine articles waiting for them in their mailboxes. If you had an interest in something, she would always find things to send to you about it. “Snail Mail” from Carolyn was better than any email you'll ever receive.

Carolyn enjoyed riding the bus to Penn State football games with her beloved husband, the Krapfs, and lots of Nittany Lion fans, getting there early to make coffee for everyone, and always bringing a cake for the tailgating.

Carolyn also loved planting and caring for her flowers, especially her cherished pansies.

Despite struggling with Parkinson's Disease, a stroke, and other significant challenges, Carolyn never let her problems change who she was. She remained a devoted mother and loyal friend to many. Her pure and beautiful smile remained intact until the end. Her sons would like to thank the staff of Brandywine River Valley Home Health and Hospice for their care and compassion during her final months.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 11, 2021 at the Harris Mountain Funeral & Cremation Service, 1030 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, where relatives and friends may pay their respects from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m.

The family would prefer that attendees please wear a mask.

Interment will be in Phildelphia Memorial Park, Frazer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Her sons also ask that every time you see a pansy, you think of Carolyn and smile.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn A. (Kish) Ashenfelter, please visit our floral store.