Amy Marie Ladwig (nee Ashyk), age 67, peacefully entered eternal rest on March 2, 2026 at Providence Mission Hospital, Mission Viejo, CA. Although her physical body gave out, her spirit remained a tower of strength, anchored by her faith. Amy had a captivating smile, huge heart and relentless optimism.

Amy was born in Elyria, OH to Stanley and Mary Lou Ashyk. She was raised there with her older sister Andrea and younger brother Jonathan. Very active throughout her childhood, Amy was a member of Linda's Lassies Baton and Drum Corp as a twirler, corps leader and featured soloist, mastering fire baton and Samoan knives. Amy was also an accomplished pianist from a young age and as an adult purchased a concert grand piano for her home where she would play for her family, friends and guests.

She graduated from Elyria Catholic High School where she was a national honor society member, head majorette, editor in chief of The Challenge , served in student senate, and was in French Club and Concert band. Amy attended Miami University of Ohio where she graduated with a B.S. in Mass Communications and a minor in Music (piano). At MU, she was on the Shakerette dance team and was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority where she made many friends for life. She won Miss Miami in 1978 and represented the school in the Miss Ohio pageant, winning the Grand Talent Award for piano.

Upon graduation, Amy was recruited by Procter & Gamble, launching a long and successful career in sales and marketing management. She spent 30+ years in the consumer products industry with blue chip companies: P&G, Nabisco, Kraft Foods and Avery Dennison. She retired from Avery in 2013 as VP of Sales & Customer Marketing for North America. Amy was a steadfast friend and mentor to many, admired by those who came in contact with her, both personally and professionally. She was known as a "connector," having the ability to instantly engage and make people feel comfortable, like they had known her for years, despite it being only minutes.

Amy met her husband Don when they were co-workers in California with P&G. They were married for 37 years, with their 1988 wedding ceremony taking place on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean outside St. Edward's Catholic Church in Dana Point. Amy truly loved Don's witty sense of humor, and sure enough, he kept her laughing and her spirit upbeat through many trials and tribulations until her last days. Their son Chris was the light of Amy's life that brought her unending joy. They shared a deep connection and many adventures. Favorite family vacations were spent at their condo in Maui; usually swimming, parasailing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the pool. To Amy, life was "always better in flip flops." One of her favorite places to be was on the ocean. Upon moving to California she took sailing lessons and enjoyed frequent trips from Dana Point Harbor to go whale watching with friends and family.

Intelligence, charisma, and the drive to succeed were such defining traits of Amy's life, that most were surprised by her health struggles. In December of 2006, she was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer. Even though she faced tremendous odds, Amy's ability to survive would never let her accept backing down without a fight. She underwent a very difficult clinical trial and cancer treatments at City of Hope, but as to be expected of Amy, she beat the cancer and was in remission for the remainder of her life. However, the rigors of treatment and the stress her body went through took its toll and led to other respiratory and health issues throughout the next 19 years. In spite of this, Amy persevered with strength and courage, focusing on living each day to the fullest. She was a perfect example of not letting one's circumstances define them. She lovingly shared her experience with others who were suffering to help guide them in their own journeys. When she found out her blood type was B+, she remarked, "well that makes sense since my motto is Be Positive!"

Amy's family would like to extend their special gratitude to the medical community for their support throughout the years, especially, but not limited to: Dr. Marianna Kocywas, Dr. Tauseef Qureshi and the Doctors and Nurses of City of Hope and Providence Mission Hospital. The loving care she received, especially the past few months, was extraordinary.

Amy will be deeply missed by her loving husband Don and her devoted son Chris, both of Laguna Niguel, CA; her sister Andrea (Mark) Wood of Powell, OH; her brother Jon Ashyk of San Clemente, CA, also her niece, nephews, cousins and friends, and of course her faithful, beloved Wheaten Terrier, Barkley. Her memory will live on in the family she loved and the friends she deeply cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Mary Lou Ashyk, as well as her grandparents and many dear aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian burial will be held May 15th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, CA 92629. Fr. Mike Rizzo will be the celebrant. A reception will immediately follow next door at Knight Hall. A separate private interment will take place at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, CA. Memorial donations can be made in honor of Amy Ladwig to City of Hope.

Arrangements are being handled by O'Connor Mortuary of Laguna Hills, CA.