Ashleigh Rosalie Blake

Ashleigh Rosalie Blake, 85, of New Fairfield, formerly of Redding, CT and longtime resident of Rotonda West, FL died peacefully on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

A native Floridian, Ashleigh was born to the late Christian and Margaret (Cundiff) Eck in Lake Butler, FL on November 22, 1937. She grew up in Jacksonville surrounded by her brothers and sister and later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ashleigh relocated to the metropolitan area, where she worked in New York City as a secretary at Time-Life Incorporated as well a fashion model for various companies including Suzy Perette and Emilio Pucci. In the following years Ashleigh devoted herself to being a wife and selflessly raising her two daughters. Once her daughters were in middle school she stepped into the role of Animal Control Officer in Redding, CT. In this position she was able to make a difference by saving many animals that would have surely met an untimely end. Her compassion and professionalism were recognized by Redding residents and town officials alike. After many years in this role Ashleigh retired and turned her complete attention to spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Ashleigh was a fiercely independent, elegant, spiritual woman who was a lover of nature and animals. Loyal beyond words to her family and friends, she will be greatly missed.

Ashleigh is survived by her two daughters: Ashleigh Blake and her husband, Joel Bruzinski of Sherman, CT and Amanda Blake and her husband, Christopher Neil of Easton, CT. Ashleigh is also survived by her four grandchildren: Nathaniel and Eden Bruzinski as well as Calder and Agnes Neil. In addition, Ashleigh is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews and sister in law, Carolyn Eck.

In addition to her parents, Ashleigh was predeceased by her siblings, Christian Eck Jr., Julius Eck and Margaret Irish.

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately. 

Contributions in Ashleigh's memory may be made to Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) Pleasant Paws Pet Center - 94 South Main Street; Newtown, CT 06470, https://daws.org/gifts-and-memorial-donations/

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