In Memory
Ashley Rose Cecilia Stopczynski
September 16, 1990 - August 10, 2024
Ashley passed away on August 10, 2024 from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident in Scottville, MI. Ashley was born in South Bend, IN to Carl and Melinda who survive along with her nephew Theodore A. Stopczynski, Grandpa Enoch “Doc” Stopczynski along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ashley was predeceased by her brother Stephen Anthony Stopczynski, her grandparents Marilyn Stopczynski, Karoly and Ilona Gocza.
Ashley attended Washington High School (2009) and St. Mary’s College (2013). At St. Mary’s College she studied music education and voice and graduated with a BM in Music Education. While a member of the St. Mary’s College Women’s Choir she performed internationally and at Carnegie Hall. Ashley was involved in St. Mary’s College Chicago East Alumnae Club where she served as the community chair and social media co-chair. Her passion for St. Mary’s shone through in everything she believed and did. Ashley was also a member of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago In 2013 she started teaching Pre-K to 8th grade at St. Mary’s of the Woods in Northern Chicago. In 2019 she went to work at Cicero District 99 Columbus East in Cicero, IL where she taught 4th - 6th grade. She studied Orff Schulwerk at DePaul for two summers where she became specialized in the pedagogy and curriculum design which she then taught at Cicero. The Orff concepts of Sing, Say, Dance and Play were lived out in her teachings and life. Her students that she referred to as “her kids” were always involved in music with hands on theory. In Ashley’s own words - If my students (kids) learn anything from me, I hope that it is: Love, Acceptance, Power, Kindness, Forgiveness and Individuality.
Funeral service will be Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 noon at Holy Spirit Chapel in LeMans Hall (St. Mary’s College) with Celebration of Life Luncheon to follow. Cemetery services will be private.
09/23/2025 DEC
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