Barbara was an avid gardener and an enterprising businesswoman who managed properties throughout the Bay Area. She loved her dogs, who could often be seen keeping her company in her car as she drove around Marin County. She took a special interest in supporting single mothers and fostering educational opportunities in and around San Rafael, where she lived.
Barbara was every bit as passionate about MarinHealth. A donor for 21 years, she left a $100,000 bequest upon her death at age 96 to support nursing education.
A San Francisco native, Barbara moved to Marin County in the 1960s and married Karl Ashley, a self-employed tile contractor and member of the Tile-Layers Union Local 19 in San Francisco. Karl passed away in 1990.
Over the course of their lifetimes, Barbara and Karl were patients at MarinHealth. They came to know and deeply respect many of the physicians and staff. Barbara was particularly interested in ensuring that quality healthcare be delivered locally, which prompted her legacy gift.
Philanthropy is an important source of funding for nursing education. MarinHealth offers a variety of classes, including orientation programs for new employees along with webinars and hands-on training. Funds are also used for specialty training and advanced certification in various medical specialties.
Thanks to gifts like Barbara’s, MarinHealth can help our nurses become the best healthcare providers they can be.