Patricia Alice "Pat" Ash

Patricia Alice Ash (Flatley), passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by family.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Pat grew up in Irvington and Atlantic Highlands, where she enjoyed a fun, active childhood filled with close friendships, laughter, and love. A graduate of Atlantic Highlands High School, she was known for her humor, love of dancing (holding dance parties with friends, teaching others to jitterbug, and joined in a school walk-out that successfully restored their noon time dancing). She had a warm spirit, and was devoted to her high school sweetheart, Joe. Their relationship became a defining part of her life, beginning in high school when she was a cheerleader and he was the athlete she proudly cheered on. That same spirit continued through the years as she supported the basketball teams he later coached and scouted for. They were in each other's lives 72 years, including 67 years of marriage.

Pat and Joe married in 1959 and lived in Lincoln and Emerson, Nebraska; Paulina, Iowa; and Vernon Township, New Jersey, before settling in Naples, Florida, full-time in 1994.

In New Jersey, she enjoyed dinner parties, neighborhood picnics, played tennis and bridge, and raised her children within a community of very close friendships. She also enjoyed going into New York City for Broadway shows - a tradition she lovingly shared with her children and later her grandchildren.

In Naples, she embraced an active life on the Gulf, filled with sunshine, friendships, live music, book clubs, watching old movies, daily swims and beach walks, and looking for the green flash at sunset. She was active in the Naples Tides Club and in her building's social activities. Pat was a loyal friend to many - always looking out for others, especially those in need. She supported organizations such as PBS and the American Cancer Society, volunteered at the Palm Cortage House, and regularly donated to several nonprofits serving vulnerable communities. She was an avid supporter of Naples' local theatre and a decades-long season ticket holder to the Artist-Naples, the Naples Players, and TheatreZone.

The Naples "beach house" was a welcoming family destination that she enjoyed with her kids, grandchildren, and friends. Whether it was swimming, enjoying time on the boat, seeing dolphin, sailing on the Naples Princess, riding around town to see the Christmas lights, strolling down 5th Ave., or eating at the many great local restaurants together- many special memories were made.

She attended Monmouth College and graduated from William Paterson College. An avid reader, Pat worked as a librarian at Sussex-Wantage Middle School for 19 years.

Upon retirement, she travelled extensively, often joining Joe on his scouting trips and arranging trips with friends and family. She was always up for an adventure - whether navigating the vibrant bazaars and historic sites of Istanbul (buying a carpet she fiercely protected from the Florida sun), rafted down the Colorado River, cruising down the Danube, or exploring the Swiss Alps, Russian architecture, wonders of Japan, China or the 40+ countries she visited, she truly lived life to the fullest.

She never lost her love for music or dancing - especially classics from the 1950s - and embraced every opportunity to dance, even up to the week before passing.

Pat is predeceased by her parents, Anna Zwissler Flatley and Richard C. Flatley; her sister, Jane Aldinger; and her brother, Richard Flatley Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Joseph Ash; her son, Joseph Ash Jr. (Virginia); her daughters, Debbie Nostrand (Dave) of Durham, North Carolina, and Karen Ash of Switzerland; six grandchildren she adored (Lauren, Jon, Tyler, Nolan, Shannon, Emma); one great-granddaughter (Harper); and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Pat will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, quiet strength, sense of humor, and deep devotion to her family. She had a gift for finding joy in everyday life and for bringing light and comfort to those around her. "Oh brother" she will be deeply missed!

Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Avow Hospice Services, whose compassionate care offered tremendous comfort in her final days.