1923
2011
Ethel Rita Aspell passed away December 14, 2011, of sudden heart failure.
The daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret Ferns, she was born May 29, 1923, in Pittsburgh, PA. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The University of Akron and performed in theater during college. Ethel married John F. Aspell in 1946, and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in February 2005. Her love of live theater, film, classical, and popular music strengthened through the years. The TV was always set on classic movies - Bette Davis and Jimmy Stewart were her favorites. The day Frank Sinatra died, John bought her a dozen roses. They loved to dance to that big band swing sound. Their family, which grew to five children, relocated frequently due to John's U.S. Navy Officer and engineering duties, finally settling in Ventura County in 1968.
Ethel wrote for the Akron Beacon Journal and later worked at the Ventura Star Free Press as an Editor and Copy Writer. In the late 1970s she excelled as Public Relations Manager for St. John's Hospital and, in the1980s, as Business Manager and Publicist for the Ventura County Symphony. Her love of Native-American culture was evident in vacation adventures to Taos, New Mexico; Mesa Verde, and her favorite place on earth - next to New York City - Monument Valley. Ethel possessed a keen wit, dramatic, infectious laugh, and a razor-sharp sense of social injustice. She will always be remembered by her family and friends for spiritual devotion and unsurpassed sweetness of character.
She is survived by her beloved children: sons, Thomas and his wife, Barbara Lebeau, of
Pittsburgh, PA; John Kevin of Hayward, CA; Dennis Michael of Ventura; daughters Julie Ellen Cariani and husband Peter, of Boston, MA; Anne Aspell Stevens and husband James of Ventura; grandchildren Arthur John and Elise Aspell, Brady and Devin Stevens; sister-in-law Mary Aspell, and her dearest cousins, Helen Shields and Dorothy Miller of Pittsburgh, PA; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, at Sacred Heart Church in Ventura where Ethel was a parishioner for nearly 40 years.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Sacred Heart Church, Ventura; or to the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal World.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.
Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 25, 2011
George KASKO
We give our condolances to the Aspell family on the passing of their great mother. from Samuel Roy and George S. Kasko
December 24, 2011
Antoinette Simmons
Aspell Siblings: What an amazing mother you have and although she is no longer here physically...her sprit...her essence is very much a part of where you will stand today and each day thereafter. I will miss having the opportunity to spend time with her, but I feel lucky to have a part of her in the two I do get to see once in a while, Annie and Dennis. I love you guys!
December 24, 2011
Christina Anderson Jones
I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Ethel. I remember her so well from when I was young as such a fun, lively person . Everybody in the extended Aspell family will certainly miss her. Sam and I have all of you in our thoughts.
December 24, 2011
Devin Stevens
May your Spirit live in peace forever.
December 24, 2011
Devin Stevens
Love and miss you always and forever.
December 24, 2011
Laura D'Auri
I never met Ethel but her daughter Annie is like the little sister I never had. I can only say that Ethel's beauty, humor and joy is reflected like angel lights in her beautiful daughter Annie. Ethel, enjoy your soujourn in the beautiful heavenly world, and know that you will see your dear ones again in God.
December 23, 2011
Mrs.Aspell was a customer at Vons for years. I always enjoyed seeing her. Such a nice person.Sorry for your loss.Bonnie -Ventura
December 22, 2011
Karen Kniffin
She was and always will be my "California Mom" who let Vince and I in as additional kids to a already full family so many, many year ago. Her kindness and love will be missed but never forgot. My heart is broken and my prayers are with the all of you. I am so sorry I can not be there with you. I love you all. Love, Karen Kniffin, Hudson, OH
December 22, 2011
Leslie Westhaver
To our dear Julie and the entire Aspell family - we are so sorry for your loss. I've heard many wonderful stories about your mom - so full of passion, personality, intelligence, humor and talent. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
December 22, 2011
Vincent McDermott
Thanks for everything "love a duck"
December 21, 2011
Bryon Wilson
Aspell family:
I am very sorry to hear of the loss to your beloved mother, Ethel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I will always remember the great times and laughter together at the old house on El Portal.
December 20, 2011
K. Carpenter
R.I.P. Ethel. We know you were a special person because you left behind such a special son.
December 20, 2011
Carl Carpenter
My mom often told me growing up, 'No one will ever love you like your mother.' She was of course right, and I've remembered her words many times over the years. It always surprises me how many, and how meaningful those moments are. Every mother's passing is a tragedy... But rest assured her love for you will never die. All you have to do is remember her and you'll feel it. I hope to meet her one day. I believe I will. May God give you comfort my friend...
December 20, 2011
Pat Ilar
Dennis,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. May the Good Lord Comfort and Bless you and yours throught this time.
God Bless - Pat Ilar
December 20, 2011
Joseph McManus
My prayersand thoughts are with the Aspel family. You were all blessed to have such a wonderful mother and friend. She lived a rich and long life. God Bless!
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