Dolores Ashman

Dolores H. Ashman VIRGINIA BEACH - Dolores H. Ashman, known to friends and family as Lorrie, 81, died in Virginia Beach April 26, 2010. A native of Norfolk, she graduated from Maury High School where she was named, "Best All Around," a title she embodied all her life. At Hood College, she excelled and was elected both to serve as president of her class for three years and joined the Mortar Board Honor Society. Upon graduation in 1951, Lorrie received a scholarship to attend the University of Oregon where she was awarded a Masters of Science in social psychology. Lorrie earned a degree in interior design from the New York Institute of Design and worked as an interior designer for Bloomingdales and Stern's. Lorrie married Stuart Ashman in 1953 and eventually left her career to devote herself to her family. She leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Stuart Ashman and three adoring children, William Ashman of Virginia Beach, Catherine Vansant of Thetford, Vt., and Emilie Serratelli of Virginia Beach. Lorrie's children credit her with showing them how to live a truly full and joyful life. Lorrie's talents were many - a skilled painter, sculptor and designer, she created a beautiful home on the Oceanfront that expressed her aesthetic sense. Comfortable wielding large and small tools, she was "master-fixer" and gourmet cook, delighting her family with haute cuisine back when TV dinners were the norm. Lorrie loved to travel - going to Broadway plays and art exhibits in New York City and spending time in Key West and Vermont with friends and family. She loved the Sunday New York Times, singing around the piano and being on the water. Above all else, she loved her family. A fun-loving grandmother, Lorrie leaves behind six grandchildren, Emilie and Henry Vansant of Thetford, Vt., William and Zoe Serratelli of Virginia Beach and Nicholas and Christopher Ashman of Virginia Beach. Lorrie was a strong and generous woman. Witty, intelligent, loving and warm, she will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Virginia chapter. Cremation Society of Virginia is assisting the family.