Theresa ‘Terri’ (DerStephanian) Ashford, 90, of Alton, NH, formerly of Atkinson, New Hampshire, passed peacefully on Sunday, March 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.  Born September 20, 1930 in Methuen, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Elizabeth (Bedrosian) DerStephanian.

Terri was married to the late Merle R. Ashford for 53 years, during which time they enjoyed their family, traveling the world and their daily, afternoon coffee date.  Terri graduated from the Edward F. Searles High School in Methuen, Mass in 1948.  She became a licensed Electrologist, a career she enjoyed for over 40 years.  She was an active member of the Atkinson Congregational Church where she served as a Deacon and on numerous committees.  She was an accomplished artist, gardener and became an avid golfer in her later years.

Terri will be greatly missed by her loving children: Beverly LeBlanc and her husband Ronald, of Atkinson, NH and Karen DeJager and her husband, Peter, Jr. of Alton, NH.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Christopher LeBlanc and girlfriend Vicky Hooker of Cape Coral, Florida, Crystal Little and her husband John of Atkinson, Jeffrey DeJager of Dover, NH, Jaime Lugo and her husband, Jacob, of Lynchburg, VA, her precious great-grandson Silas Little, as well as her cherished niece Alison Bibbins Ward and nephews Warren Bibbins and Wayne Bibbins.

As a family, we want to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Terri’s (Nan’s) loving caregivers over the past 14 years, and especially Melissa Simone, Becky Gervais, Paula Proulx, Jessie Douglas, Donna Hammond and Kathy Morgan.

A private service will be held at home in Alton, NH and burial at Maplewood North Parish Cemetery, Plaistow, NH.  Contributions can be made to Elder Services, Town of Atkinson NH, 19 Academy Avenue, Atkinson, NH 03811.