South Royalton, VT- Mary Aschenberg passed peacefully in the Garden Room at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph, VT on Monday, April 13, 2026, after a brief illness. Friends and family would like to share that although her passing was sudden, she was well cared for and was not in any discomfort.

Mary was born September 23, 1948, in Randolph, VT to Julious Jay Aschenberg of Brooklyn, NY, and Ervilla (Abbot) Aschenberg of South Royalton, VT. Mary attended South Royalton School and graduated in 1966 as Valedictorian. Mary then moved to New York City where she spent time teaching English to adult learners.

After returning to Vermont, she worked at the VA Hospital in White River Jct., Windsor Correctional Facility, and the Vermont Law School. It was at VLS where she would meet and marry Karen Kerin. They enjoyed traveling around Vermont, attending the Tunbridge World's Fair, and gardening.

Mary was a lifelong avid reader who enjoyed consuming language, correcting grammatical mistakes, and sharing thoughts and ideas. Her retirement years were filled with gathering stories from family, friends, and former classmates online.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, older sister, Jean Horlacher of Wood Cross, Utah, and spouse Karen, whom she loved deeply. Mary is survived by her sister, Joan Ballou of Coco, FL, daughter, Faith Lopez of Poultney, VT, and many loving nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

As she was not a fan of public speaking or the spotlight, we will be honoring Mary's wishes by not engaging in any services.

In place of flowers, a donation to the South Royalton Fire Department and Rescue Squad can be sent to 53 Safford St., South Royalton, VT 05068.

Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com

*Please report any grammatical errors to Carrie Ballou, who is devastated at the loss of her best friend and lifelong editor.