Alicia Ashe

Alicia Ashe (Alice S. Hartman), 88, of Chapel Hill, N.C. “had an appointment with God” on September 14, 2024. Ashe was born January 21, 1936 in New York City, N.Y. to Gustave and May W. Hartman.

Ashe’s love of travel was fulfilled during her young adulthood as a stewardess. Later, she ventured to Vermont and then Maine where she made her home for many years. During those years she traveled extensively often by freighter. In 1980, she moved to N.C. to further her education obtaining an MPH at UNC Chapel Hill. During this time, Ashe formed a prison ministry playing Banjo in a band that visited many of N.C.’s prisons. She was continually amazed by the peoples’ gallantry and love remarking in an interview “you can’t be frightened in the face of love”.

Ashe attended Cedar Grove UMC in Pittsboro, N.C. She enjoyed participating in the church bazaars. Ashe was known for her sewing, quilting, crocheting and knitting as well as her baking and cooking. Ashe regularly visited shut-ins within the community bearing gifts and food and occasionally Chihuahua puppies to brighten someone’s day. Her passion for animals, domestic and wild, was palpable. She lived a philosophy of noblesse oblige – of acting with generosity toward those who were less fortunate.

Ashe’s brave struggle against the many health related hardships she confronted was a testament to her courage and perseverance. Her kindness was legendary and her beloved legion of Chihuahuas renowned. Ashe’s beautiful smile, bright eyes and gentle nature will be truly missed.

Ashe was preceded in death by her father, Gustave Hartman, her mother, May Weisser Hartman, and brother, Kenneth Hartman and dearest friend, Marjorie Lamb Riley.

Surviving relatives include nephews, a niece and several cousins including her dearest cousins Steve and wife, Masha Phillips and their sons Stanley and wife, Aida and daughter, Milana and Mitchell and wife, Audrey and sons, Jacob, Max and Aaron and many cherished friends.

Arrangements are pending.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org), Baby Rhino Rescue (babyrhinorescue.org), Jane Goodall Institute (janegoodall.org) and or Cedar Grove UMC 2791 Jones Ferry Rd, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Ashe family.