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Marty was a warm, sociable, and welcoming woman who believed there was always room for one more.

Margaret R. "Marty" (Ashley) DuBois, of Reading, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Winchester Hospital. She was 77 years old. 

Born on September 22, 1948, in Lynn, Marty was one of four children of the late Kenneth R. Ashley Sr. and Margaret R. (Breen) Ashley. She was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. Marty married Peter DuBois and settled in Reading, where they began their family. 

For more than 40 years, Marty devoted herself to caring for others as a Nurse's Aide at Melrose Care Center on Martin Street in Melrose. Her caring nature extended well beyond her work. Marty was a warm, sociable, and welcoming woman who believed there was always room for one more. Her door was always wide open for anyone who needed a place to sit, a meal, a couch for the night, or simply someone to spend time with. She had a lifelong ability to make people feel welcome, and over the years, many friends found comfort and companionship in her home. 

Marty loved being around people and enjoyed nothing more than good conversation, laughter, and the company of friends. Her summers in Hill, New Hampshire, were among her happiest memories, where she could be in the sun, visit with friends, and enjoy the many parties that always found their way onto her calendar. 

At home in Reading and in New Hampshire, Marty enjoyed gardening and was a member of the Reading Garden Club. She loved attending fairs and especially enjoyed trips to the Big E. In later years, she had the opportunity to travel the world with her partner, George Shdeed, making memories together in Hawaii, Alaska, and Israel. Closer to home, some of her favorite moments were spent simply sitting in the sun on her back porch, soaking in the sunshine with her dogs by her side. Marty was proud of her Irish heritage and loved gathering around the table for a good game of cards with family and friends. 

Above all, Marty cherished her family, and her beloved grandson held a special place in her heart. Her life was marked by the many people she welcomed into it, the friendships she treasured, and the memories created around an always-open door. May she rest in peace. 

Marty was the devoted mother of Kathleen "Kathy" MacDonald and her partner Tom McCabe of Reading. Beloved grandmother of James MacDonald of Reading. Former wife of the late Peter DuBois. Dear sister of Kenneth Ashley of Lowell, and the late Richard Ashley and his surviving wife Joanne of Melrose, and the late Francis Ashley and his surviving wife Fran of Melrose. Also survived by several nieces and nephews, and the extended MacDonald family. 

Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor and remembrance of Marty during Visiting Hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Thursday, August 20 from 9-10am, followed by her Funeral Service at 10am. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.