Newspaper Abstracts, North Carolina

2 records

  • The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, North Carolina, 12 Jul 1991, p 20
    AIDS rights activist Fred Sackett, 48, dies
    Friends remember courage, optimism
    By Valca Valentine
    Staff Writer
    If faith could move mountains, Fred Sackett was a champion among believers.
    A world traveler, he chose the Southern Bible Belt as his platform for gay rights, AIDS education and prevention.
    Mr. Sackett, 48, died at his Charlotte home Thursday, July 11, 1991, of AIDS-related complications.
    Optimism, friends say, became Sackett's indispensable virtue.
    Many admired his civic dedication, but others say they'll cherish Mr. Sackett's efforts to soothe the sadness of those who watched him grower weaker after he was diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
    He was giving the pep talks, the parties, the notes of encouragement.
    "Through his courage, his optimism, Fred made such a positive statement that life is good," said the Rev. Conrad Hoover, a Catholic priest in Rock Hill. "He taught many through example that it was essential to live each day as fully as possible."
    A native of McDowell County, Mr. Sackett was a former treasurer and member of the board at Metrolina AIDS Project in Charlotte.
    John Conley, former MAP executive director, said Mr. Sackett was consistent in support of the organization's staff and projects.
    "He was very passionate about his work with MAP," Conley said. "Even when he was ill, he attended every board meeting and function."
    At MAP, Mr. Sackett touched many local lives ravaged by the emotional and physical trials brought by AIDS. He often chatted with and counseled AIDS patients, parents and employers. Sometimes it helped.
    Travel throughout the United States and Europe earned him a reputation as a dapper dresser, gourmet diner and up-to-date expert on the in places to be. Reading, playing the piano and giving gifts were his hobbies, friends say.
    Recently, he gathered about a dozen friends for a gourmet dinner. He toasted each, reminding them of the struggle to which he had dedicated the last years of his life.
    "He didn't want anyone to forget what caused his death," said Toni Tatu, 48, a MAP administrative assistant who attended the dinner party. "He urged us to keep on fighting for the rights of people with AIDS."
    Mr. Sackett is survived by his mother, Mrs. Dora Lee Sackett of Princeton, W.Va.
    Funeral services will be held in Bluefield, W.Va., on Saturday. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Unitarian Church Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Metrolina AIDS Project, P.O. Box 32662, Charlotte, N.C. 28232. Beasley's Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
    [Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Ted Smith]
  • The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, North Carolina, 2 Oct 2012, p B4
    Marlene W. Ashman
    Matthews - Marlene W. Ashman, 77, a resident of Matthews, NC, passed away on September, 30, 2012, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Marlene was born on May 1, 1935 in Waterbury, CT, a daughter of the late Ronald and Grace Parsons Walker. She is survived by her husband, Richard "Dick" Ashman, Sr., her five children, Mike (Christina) Sackett, Laura (Jay) Woodard, Rick (Karen) Ashman, Jr., Jimmy (Daphne) Ashman, Mike (Lisa) Ashman, 12 grandchildren, Lauren Barkman, Zach Woodard, Heather Scott, Holly Sackett, Kali Ashman, Trevor Ashman, Matthew Ashman, Nicholas Ashman, Cortney Ashman, Cindy McAllister, Michael Ashman, Mindy Ashman, three sisters, Grace Yocher, Janice Duszak and Linda Lauer. She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Patty Sackett and Debbie Ashman. Marlene was a member of Blair Road United Methodist Church. She enjoyed ballroom and line dancing, boating and fishing. She loved doing crafts, especially making her angels for her children and grandchildren. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, the hour of service on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Blair Road United Methodist Church, 9135 Blair Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. Memorial donations may be made to the This & That Sunday School Class at Blair Road Methodist Church. Burial will be in Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Matthews, NC. Services are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, 3700 Forest Lawn Dr., Matthews, NC 28104. Online condolences at www.heritagefuneral.net.
    [Transcribed from Newspapers.com image by Chris Sackett]