From Nancy Haselden Olsen

8/24/2014

Ashleigh Elizabeth Cocks

Ashleigh attended the American School in Switzerland before attending Oregon State. She studied Art and Education along with Architecture and Design.

She remained in the Northwest where she taught Kindergarten. Recognizing the need, she designed and produced 42 learning/development games for preschoolers which were used years beyond her tenure. While volunteering, she discovered a talent for banquet design and production which also led to the planning and executing of weddings for many friends.  She also found time for acting in little theater and training dogs.

Following her divorce In 1977, she returned to the Bay Area, settling in Alameda. She worked at a brokerage firm until the family business called. She was able to work mornings at Union Fish Co. and spend the afternoons developing her own interior design business.  

Ash always looked forward to visiting her special antique resources along the west coast, especially in Oregon, taking great delight from each "find" whether for her business or for a friend.  That inventory became "Ashleigh's Antiques" which was showcased at The Collective in San Francisco. She had a way of putting things together in the most creative and elegant ways which complimented her reputation as a respected businesswoman.

Ashleigh was also a founding member of Berkeley's Endeavor Theater where she performed comedy routines. 

Until her passing, Ash's energy and enthusiastic love of animals continued to benefit ICRA (Island Cat Rescue of Alameda) where she served as a board member, produced their monthly newsletters, and supported fund raising efforts. She had stopped raising and showing Shelties herself years ago, focusing most recently on her beloved cat, Toes.

My dear dear friend, Ashleigh, passed away unexpectedly on May 16, 2008 following knee replacement surgery.  Her true gift of being able to bring friends to raucous laughter, especially to the point of snorting (hers or yours), never failed to give Ash great delight.  She could be serious if necessary - but not for long.  

Her annual "Ashleigh's Christmas Party" was enjoyed by many Class of '64 friends who dined and exchanged clever gag gifts (of course!) distributed by Santa (who looked a lot like Rob Ingalls).  She continued it for more than 25 years. 

Ashleigh was a special friend to many. Her nickname for me was "Sis" and I will always feel that way about her, too.