Ashley Christine Baribeault

OXFORD – With hearts broken, we announce the passing of Ashley Christine Baribeault, 33, of Old Southbridge Road. Ashley died Saturday, September 27, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was a true warrior – fighting with dignity for 22 months while still being the best Momma in the world to Sophie, up until the very moment she passed. As weak as she was, she still managed to say goodbye to her Sophie girl and tell her that she would love her “forever.”
She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Sophie Jo Ann Peterson of Oxford who looks just like her; her fiancé, Erik D. Peterson of Oxford; her mother, Pamela J. (Harris) Baribeault and her partner Andre Gilbert of Oxford; her father, Timothy E. Baribeault and his wife Cheryl of Worcester; her brother, Robert L. Baribeault and his wife Ashley of Webster; her step-brother, Greg Williamson of Pennsylvania; her step-sister, Sarah Williamson of Worcester; her maternal grandmother, JoAnn Spencer and her partner Glenn McFerrin of Stafford Springs, CT; her paternal step-grandmother Georgiana Baribeault of Florida, her nieces and nephews that she absolutely adored, Ariana, Ayden, Aubree, Avery, and Amos; her beloved cat, Charlie who brought her much comfort during her battle; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Lawrence Harris; her paternal grandmother, Mary (Reed) Harris, and her paternal grandfather, Wayne Baribeault.
Ashley was born in Worcester and was a lifelong resident of Oxford. She graduated from Oxford High School in 2010. As a child she was very involved in Girl Scouts and loved cheerleading. She was a cheerleader for South County Pop Warner for many years.
Ashley’s most important accomplishment was being a mom, and she was the most unbelievable mom to her daughter, Sophie. She always tried to make many memories for Sophie, including visiting museums, gardening, reading, crafts and travelling to places like Disney, Daytona Beach and Point Sebago, ME. Her favorite place to visit was Martha’s Vineyard, she made many trips there since she was a child. She was a fan of the Boston Celtics and was so excited to be able to see them in the playoffs last year.
She always included Sophie in everything she did. It was important to her to let Sophie know how much she was loved and wrote “love” letters to her every single day and put them in her lunch box for school.
She was full of love for everyone, and lived her life with kindness and compassion. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile that never quit, even as she faced such a difficult battle. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The world lost a bright light.
At the time of her diagnosis, she had just been accepted into the nursing program at Quinsigamond Community College. It was her lifelong dream to become a nurse – she loved helping and caring for people. Unfortunately, she was never able to achieve her dream. But as recently as 2 weeks ago she was looking to begin taking nursing classes again.
Ashley once said she felt that cancer made her a better person. She often took time after cancer treatments to inspire others by making videos online to share her journey. Her passion to share and motivate others in similar situations was important to her.
Ash met many people along her journey who showed small acts of kindness that would most often be the best part of her day. She was forever grateful for Tom Peltier who was her strength from the very beginning of her diagnosis, and Cindy Dwelly who nourished her soul with love and food. She often referred to them both as her angels.
The family would like to thank her Oncology team at Dana Farber in Boston. Especially Dr Claire Smith and Dr Ayal Aizer for their compassionate care.
Family and Friends are invited to attend memorial calling hours on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m on Wednesday at the conclusion of calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for Sophie’s future. Memorial contributions may be made to The Ashley Christine Baribeault Memorial Fund Acct 6846, c/o UniBank for Savings, 24 Gold Star Blvd., Worcester, MA 01605.