Donna Mae Ashworth

Donna Mae (Sowa) Ashworth, 73, died Thursday, January 22, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford after a long illness. She was the wife of William Ashworth.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Thadeus and Lucille (Poineau) Sowa, Donna lived in Fairhaven for most of her life. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and Suffolk University.

In her free time, she enjoyed going on motorcycle rides with her beloved husband, William.

She also loved spending time with her granddaughter, Bailey.

Donna also enjoyed spending time with Heather McDonald and her grandchildren, Arrane and Arell.

She is survived by her stepdaughter, Ashley Ashworth; her stepson, William DP Ashworth, his wife, Erica, and their daughter, Bailey; her brother-in-law, David Frates; three nephews, Jason, David, and Thadeus Frates; and her dear friend, Poppy Pierce.

She was predeceased by her sister, Linda Frates; and her brother, Albert Sowa.

Private services were with Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.

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