Ashley Booher tragically passed away at age 41 after a long and devastating health battle. For much of the last year, she was hospitalized at Walter Reed with debilitating neurological symptoms. In addition to the care she received there, Ashley was evaluated by one of the nation’s leading neuroimmunologists at Johns Hopkins and was also enrolled in two clinical studies at the NIH. Despite extensive testing and extraordinary efforts to find answers, the cause of her decline remains unknown.

With the heartbreaking loss of Ashley, her loving husband, Dana, is now raising their children, Clara (6) and Henry (2), on his own. Dana is navigating life as a single parent while guiding the kids through the unimaginable loss of their mom.

Over the past year, Dana and the children have been lifted up by the kindness and care of friends and members of the community. Many have reached out to ask how they can help during this transition. This fund has been created to help provide stability for Clara and Henry in the months and years ahead.

Dana’s work schedule with the U.S. Navy Band will remain varied and unpredictable, and contributions will help support childcare, school and activity expenses, and everyday needs as the family adjusts to life without Ashley. The funds will also help with the costs of funeral and memorial services.

Ashley touched so many of our lives - as a wonderful mother, devoted wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cherished friend, and exceptional musician with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Her warmth, generous spirit, kindness, easy laughter, and beautiful musicianship will be so very missed.

We hope to honor Ashley’s life by helping to care for the family she loved more than anything.