Ashley Elizabeth (Wood) Picco, wife, mother, nurse, helper, and dear friend, died Saturday, November 8, 2014 in Loma Linda, CA. She was 30.
Her life of service, like a melody, pure and sweet, began at Kaiser Vallejo July 16th 1984. The harmonies will continue to resonate in our hearts and memories.
She spent her childhood in Napa until age twelve, when she moved to Orangevale until fifteen. Moving back to Napa, and graduating from Vintage High School in 2002, her caring heart led her to a career in serving others. In the months following the attacks on 9/11/01, Ashley took her desire for outreach, and caring for those in need, to New York City. There she spent her senior year Spring Break volunteering at Ladder 10 Fire Station at Ground Zero, where that engine company is famous for its bronze memorial wall celebrating their heroes. It was there she met her future husband, Chris Picco, who was also volunteering in the relief efforts.
And our Ashley has become our hero too, living meaningfully and fully, leaving the fragrance of a short life, but well lived.
So, Chris and Ashley joined their mutual love for helping others, marrying August 19th, 2007. They continued their friendship relationships, bringing joyous life and music to their circles of influence. Making things better by their presence and talent, they planned a shared life of usefulness and endeavor. This was beautifully exemplified by her work at Loma Linda Children’s Center for four years. Taking her love and compassion for others even further, she obtained a nursing degree from Riverside Community College in 2012. Before she herself became a mother, she helped young mothers with lactation counseling, planning someday to cherish her own little one.
Their baby boy Lennon James was much anticipated. He was due February 22, 2015. His family shared his short life, born November 8, 2014. But he passed away, bathed in prayer, surrounded by family and friends November 11th of that week.
Our dear Ashley’s life was tragically, devastatingly cut short this past weekend. Her dear baby flickered briefly for a few days after.
But her song continues, the harmony enriching our lives, still, to be continued until in the Heavenly Kingdom, when we will all sing the Song of Moses and the Lamb. And Lennon James will add his sweet voice to the family reunion on Resurrection day, as daddy Chris joins in the most precious of all songs he sang in his life, and all the praying friends and family will join in lifting their Hallelujahs for eternity.
New anthems to write, new songs to sing, and no more loss, parting, pain or sorrow.
In addition to her husband Chris, Ashley is survived by her mother Elizabeth Wood and father Jon Wood; brother Joshua Wood; grandmother Darryl House; aunts Sandra McCloskey, Victoria (and David) Rugg, and Janice Wood; uncles Jim (and Linda) Wood; Jeff Wood, Todd (and Kristie) House; many cousins, and countless grieving and supportive friends around the world.
Ashley’s light shone far, her song was heard, and her sweet personality and gentle giving soul inspired us, and will continue to do so. Your life mattered, Ashley. And much-loved baby boy Lennon James, we will see you again. You belonged to all of us.