Obituary of Lucetta M. Aschbacher

Lucetta Marguerite (nee Bonning) Aschbacher, 93, of Williamsville passed away, Saturday, May 25, 2019.

Having been born to parents that surrounded her with music and art, Lucetta grew up in Kenmore, studying voice in Buffalo at an early age and performing as a soloist at nearby churches, including Trinity Episcopal Church. In her teens she debuted as an opera singer and performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic and in leading roles in both Buffalo and Detroit, Michigan. She continued her study of voice at the Detroit Conservatory of Music after graduating from Kenmore West High School in 1942.  Up until her last days of life, when inspired, she delighted others by unexpectedly breaking out in song,

Marrying in 1950, Lu pursued her love of art, alongside her husband, the late, Edward R. Aschbacher (Bud), becoming an accomplished pastel portrait artist. She especially loved to paint portraits of children and the beauty of nature, which she and her husband would encounter during their fly-fishing excursions and Canadian

travels. Her portrait commissions still adorn the walls of local residents today.

Lu had a lifelong passion for terriers, showing and owning over nine, including Valdonaire Hot Toddy, a Canadian Champion airedale.

A Williamsville area resident for 65 years, she was a long time member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville, singing in the choir and creating artwork for cards, events and publications.

Survivors include daughters, Lisa Aschbacher ( Kenneth Thompson), Beth Aschbacher ( Donald Pellnat ) and her son Mark Aschbacher, grandchildren, Adam, Nicholas, ( Cara Kryder) and Kyra Kryder, Benjamin and Alexandra Thompson, great-grandchildren, Kaelon and Liam Kryder, and six nieces and nephews.

A private service and interment was held June 8 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Williamsville to celebrate Lucetta’s long and remarkable life. Arrangements by BEACH-TUYN FUNERAL HOME, INC.