Andrea Huntington

Born on April 30, 1950, in Cleveland Ohio to the (Late) Robert and Helen Lyons, she was the second of five children. She was pre-deceased by her sister Nedra Lyons and brother, David Askew respectively. Andrea attended school in Cleveland, OH and graduated Waterford High School in CT. She married Walter Asendorf in New London, CT in 1974. Their marriage has been a fulfilling partnership of love and compassion. Together, they bought a home and settled in Oakdale CT.

Andrea graduated from the New London School of Cosmetology and began her career as a hair stylist. She built her business and clientele at Studio One in Old Saybrook, CT and A Style Above in Chester CT, from which she retired. Throughout her career as a hair stylist, Andrea demonstrated her passion for helping people. She beautified exteriors and illuminated spirits. Each Christmas, we bore witness to her clients’ gratitude in the form of gifts which filled the room and took what seemed like hours to open. Christmas was a time where Andrea’s family realized how many people she touched in her daily life.

Andrea was an active member of the National Organization for Women and a lifelong advocate for women’s rights. She was an avid reader and talented writer. Her writing appeared as letters to the editor of the local newspaper for many years. Through her articles, activism, and volunteer work, Andrea demonstrated her commitment to serving others. She loved animals as she did people. She volunteered at the Humane Society and opened her home to animals in need. Birds of all types knew where to go for their favorite food amongst the multitude of feeders in her yard, which she meticulously maintained. Andrea gave the gift of beauty to people and drew the beauty of nature and animals toward her home.

Andrea was truly an artist and lifelong learner. Her artistic talents were expressed through her mastery of hairstyling, baking, cooking, gardening, calligraphy, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint and more. The world is full of her artistic creations. There is a common thread woven through Andrea’s artistic talents; she shared all of them with those around her. She found joy in creating things for others. She cooked food she didn’t care for and baked treats she never ate. She did these things for others. Andrea was always making her rounds, delivering plates of food, baked goodies, garden vegetables, or whatever knickknack she found in her travels that she knew someone was looking for.

Andrea is survived by her husband, Walter Asendorf; Sister, Cynthia Askew; Brother, Richard Askew; Niece, Nora Askew; Daughter in-law, Donna Lee Slattery, and her husband, Stephen.

We are honoring Andrea’s wish not to have a memorial service. Andrea preferred that people not gather following her loss. In her true selfless style, she did not want people to be uncomfortable going to a service. Instead, we suggest an individual and personal service by each of the people who knew her. Perhaps as much as recalling a fun or meaningful memory in her honor at a quiet time.

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