Mona Jean Frey

Mona Jean (Ashley) Frey, 82, of Avon, beloved wife of the late Henry Robert Frey Jr, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, with her loving family by her side. Jean was born March of 1943 in Troy, NY, daughter of the late William H. and Ramona L. (Nink) Ashley.
Jean spent her early years in Kinderhook, NY, moved to Manchester in 1955, and graduated from Manchester High school in 1960. She continued her education attending Baypath College, earning an associate degree in secretarial science. She first worked for United Aircraft in Farmington where she met Hank, her husband of 56 years. They married in 1967 and decided to start a family. After taking some time off from work after David and Greg were born, Jean went back to work for the Town of Avon in 1980 and spent 25 years working in the Health and Planning and Zoning departments before retiring in 2005.
Jean loved her work for the town, however retirement allowed her to pursue her greatest passion, her family. She loved to host big family events, especially at Christmas. Her retirement was timed perfectly with the arrival of her grandchildren. She spent time with them almost daily when they were young. Jean and Hank loved to host "cousin" sleepovers and attend their sporting events and activities. They made anything to do with their grandkids their top priority. Jean loved museums and one of her favorite activities was taking the grandkids to the science center in Hartford. Every time there was a new exhibit she would pack the kids in the car and go. Most memorable for all were Sunday dinners filled with arts, crafts and games, her favorite being Authors. Much of the kids artwork is still hung throughout the house today. Her grandkids were the love of her life.
Jean was very active in the Avon community, especially with the Church of St. Ann where she organized fundraisers and contributed to the editing and publication of the church newsletter for 30 years. She loved her time at St. Ann's and made many close friends there. Jean and Hank also volunteered for the Salvation Army and during the Christmas season, no matter how cold it was, you would find them ringing the bell outside Walmart. Jean and Hank had many hobbies and activities they enjoyed together. They loved gardening, bowling, skiing, and UConn Basketball. Especially the UConn Women's team, who they travelled to watch play in many final fours.
Jean will be deeply missed by her loving family. She is survived by two sons, David A. and wife, Brigid C Frey of Simsbury, CT and Gregory A. and wife, Tanya M. Frey of Avon, CT; grandchildren, Owen C., Callahan A., Matthew C. and Lauren K. Frey; sister, Gail Varney of Manchester, CT; brother, Thomas Ashley of Enfield, CT, sister/brother-in-law, Christine Brault and her husband Ron of East Walpole, MA, and many nieces, nephews and special friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Henry R. Frey Jr. and parents, William and Ramona Ashley.
Calling hours will take place on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 4:00-7:00PM at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Rd, Avon, CT 06001. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 10:00AM at the Church of Saint Ann, Arch Road, Avon, followed by committal services at St. Ann Cemetery, 39 Arch Road, Avon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Church of Saint Ann or The Salvation Army.