Ashley East Rogers

Ashley East Rogers, loving mother of Graham and Sebastian Rogers, beloved wife of Aaron Rogers and daughter of Marlys East, a philanthropy professional who built and grew programs to advance arts, culture, science, education and international development, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 25, 2024 in Falls Church, Virginia. She was 45.
Ashley died from complications of Leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that she bravely fought for nearly two years with dignity, grace and perseverance. She demonstrated a rare strength throughout her battle while still working, advocating for her health, and also giving everything she could to help others.
Ashley led an amazing, full life. She was born in Columbia, Maryland and raised by her mother, Marlys, with whom she shared a love for the arts and culture, a devotion to community, and a deep faith in God. She inherited her mother's strong work ethic, attention to detail, and empathy for others which was clear in every interaction. Ashley attended the Garrison Forest School before going on to study Government and Art History at Bowdoin College. While in college Ashley spent a summer interning in Boston where she met Aaron, who would become her partner in life for more than twenty-five years. Their love for one another grew out of a strong core of shared values, and a passion for adventure and seeing the world. From their first time together in Paris that firmly anchored their bond, to many other trips around the globe, she never shied away from the chance to explore and experience other cultures, people, and places. As soon as their boys were born, they got passports and were included alongside. Domestic adventures spanned the country but always included an annual return to Drakes Island in Maine, which her mom introduced to her when she was young. This place became a second home to celebrate her favorite holiday, the 4th of July, sharing with her boys the pleasures of days on the beach and lobster bakes surrounded by family and friends.
Her professional life was a testament to always seeking to do what you love. She began her career in philanthropy at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where her passion for the arts and talent for building meaningful relationships came together to launch a twenty-three-year career creating impact for organizations and institutions advancing arts, culture, science, journalism, education, and international development. Along the way, while working full time, she earned graduate degrees in Management from Harvard University and International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Ashley loved her work and found inspiration in creating, building, and growing teams throughout her time at Johns Hopkins University/SAIS, Women for Women International, and ultimately the Smithsonian Institution.
Ashley truly found her home at the Smithsonian where she served as Director of Principal and Planned Giving until her passing. She thrived with the support of leadership mentors there and felt a sense of pride and purpose in the programs she built in partnership with her team and an inspirational donor community. The Leaders for Change program was particularly meaningful to Ashley as it created an internship program across the U.S. that allowed college students to learn more about the important role museums play in their communities with the goal that they become business or civic leaders who are life-long advocates for art, science, and culture. She often reflected that one of the highlights of her career had been seeing the successes of those that she hired, mentored, and grew alongside with.
Remarkably, Ashley balanced everything going on with a seemingly effortless, yet always accessible composure. At the center of her world were always her children. She was diligent and intentional, patiently guiding Graham and Sebastian through meaningful exchange and experience. They were her greatest achievement, and she was immensely proud of the young men they've become. Ashley delighted in organizing absolutely anything for her family. Summer camp planning for the boys was her competitive sport, with love equally poured into elaborate birthday celebrations, dinner parties, and holiday occasions that she treasured. She grounded and set the direction ahead for her family and their lives beyond that of her own.
The night before Ashley passed, she and Aaron met with her Pastor, Reverend Burl Salmon of the Falls Church Episcopal. They shared emotions, blessings, and took a final communion. She noted that she was ready to go to heaven. Ashley was truly a beautiful, one-of-a-kind person, and will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at The Falls Church Episcopal on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. The service will be held in the Historic Church located on South Washington at Fairfax Street with a reception to follow. Per her instructions, people should dress like she would, with fun and creative style, and lots of color.
In lieu of flowers, Ashley has requested donations be made to the Smithsonian Leaders for Change program to create an endowed internship to give college students the opportunity to come to Washington and experience museums across the country.