Mary Berland Ashley

Mary Berland Ashley, 86 of Palm Harbor, formerly of Gulfport passed away May 16, 2008 at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor. Mom was born May 31, 1921 in Duluth Minnesota, to Samuel and Hilma Berland, Norwegian and Swedish immigrants. She spent her childhood ice skating and skiing on wooden skis in northern Minnesota. She graduated from Duluth's Central High School in 1939 and St. Luke's School of Nursing in 1944. During nurse's training her close friend, Vera Nettleton introduced Mary to her future husband, Frank Marsh Ashley Jr., on a blind date. Mary and Frank were married in 1945 after Frank Jr. returned from serving in the Army Air Corps as a Crew Chief on B-25's in India, Burma and China with the Flying Tigers. Married for over 47 years, prior to Frank Jr.'s death in 1993, they had 3 children, Frank M. Ashley III, Kristine Elizabeth Ashley and Robert John Ashley. Her brother John Berland predeceased Mary. Mary retired from Bayfront Medical Center (formerly Mound Park Hospital), were she worked from 1956 through 1982. She was the Head Nurse in the Operating Room before she retired. Mary, Frank and their children spent many wonderful times fishing the local waters, camping at Homosassa River and exploring Florida. In 1958 they went to Sanibel Island with Frank's mother Annabel for a stay on the beach when the only means of travel there was by ferry. The island seemed totally deserted, but for our family. It was a joyous vacation experiencing mounds of seashells and coconuts galore. Frank and Mary were devoted parents who loved each day and the adventures to unfold. Mary's husband Frank built their first home in Gulfport and went on to build several others in the area. He eventually became a High School Teacher at Lakewood High. Mary and her family always kept close ties to relatives and friends in Minnesota. Before retirement Mary and Frank spent vacations combing records in New England tracking down Frank's ancestry. His relatives, the Ashley's, arrived in the Colonies soon after the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock and fought in the American Revolution and the Civil War. After retirement Mary and Frank built a summer cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Lake Michigamme and spent summers there fishing and enjoying nature. Mary's all-time favorite hobby was picking wild berries. She could not pass up any wild berry anywhere. Driving a country road, she could spot a berry batch over the next hill. She made wonderful pies and preserves every summer while in Michigan. One year she canned over twelve cases of preserves, applesauce, cherries and peaches. These tasty treats were always a symbol of her love and kindness when she would give them to friends and relatives. Mary loved collecting dolls and quilting. In her younger years she loved fishing. And Mary had a passion for watching sports on television. She followed baseball each season and couldn't wait for spring training to start. When the Yankees and Cardinals were in town for in the 50's and 60's, she was never hesitant getting an autograph. Her favorite team was the Atlanta Braves. She could be heard yelling "Chipperrrrrrrrrr" when rooting for Chipper Jones and the Braves. She watched Mike and Mike on ESPN every morning to get caught up on the latest scores and news. She also loved reading mysteries and playing Bingo. She made many, many friends along the way whom she dearly loved. She was a member of the Gulfport Women's Club, Gulfport HomeCrafters, St. Petersburg Doll Club and Suncoast Quilting Club. Mary is survived by her 3 children, Frank (Jill) of Lakeland, Kristine of Palm Harbor and Robert (Kriste) of Fort Pierce, and 6 grandchildren, Thomas Ashley, Neil Ashley, Kristin Ashley and Melissa Ashley, Josh and Kayla Cook, and 2 great-grandchildren, Tayler and Dane. Most importantly she loved her dog Phoebe, a Bichon Frise who brought her much joy and companionship. Mary, known for her famous potato sausage, traditional Swedish lutefisk at family holidays and her wild raspberry jam, will be missed. We treasure every experience you shared with us and the values that you instilled in us. We love you Mom, and we are ever so grateful for you and the love you gave us. God Bless you. Funeral services will be 3PM Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in the David C. Gross Funeral Home Chapel. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2PM thru service time. Donations in memory would be appreciated to the Bayfront Medical Center Foundation. David C. Gross Funeral Home is serving the family. Service Information