Ashley Marie Moran

We announce with profound sadness the unexpected passing of Ashley M. Moran, age 37, on August 19, 2026.

Ashley was born on November 30, 1988, in West Germany, to military parents, Joan Nelson of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Mark Moran of Keene, New Hampshire. Her childhood took her to several places, including North Carolina, Texas, and Keene, New Hampshire, where she graduated from Keene High School. She later attended college in Boston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.

Ashley was fiercely independent, funny, creative, and completely her own person. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that was uniquely Ashley. She marched to the beat of her own drum, and those who loved her wouldn't have wanted her any other way.

She was also a devoted animal lover, with a special tenderness for animals that reflected the softer side of her strong personality.

Ashley was an artist at heart.

Graphic design gave Ashley a way to express the imagination and individuality that were such an important part of her. Her artwork was recognized and featured in Voyage Dallas, Shoutout DFW, and Canvas Rebel Magazine.

But some of Ashley's most treasured memories had nothing to do with accomplishments or recognition. They belonged to a much simpler time.

Ashley loved the summers she spent with her Mimi and Papa in Springfield, Massachusetts. Those summers were filled with cousins, friends, laughter, freedom and long days of childhood adventure-playing outside until the streetlights came on.

Her Mimi and Papa were an important part of her life, and the memories she made with them remained precious to her throughout the years.

Now, Ashley is reunited with the grandparents who gave her so many of those cherished childhood memories.

Ashley also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She loved The Golden Girls, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and The Goonies, Romi & Michelle's HS Reunion and she had a particular appreciation for Mexican and Italian food. These little things-the shows that made her laugh, movies she could return to, favorite meals, animals, art, and memories of family-were all part of the life that made Ashley who she was.

She leaves behind her artwork, her memories, her humor, and pieces of herself in everyone who knew and loved her.

Her life was far too short, but it was uniquely hers.

Ashley will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, Ashley's family invites friends and loved ones to honor her memory by making a donation to an animal shelter or rescue organization of their choice. Ashley's love for animals was a special part of who she was, and helping an animal in need would be a beautiful way to remember her.