Katherine Ahern
June 01, 1936 - August 17, 2024
Obituary
Katherine V. Ahern, a beloved member of the Madison community, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 88.
Born in New Jersey in 1936 to Donald D. McLaughlin and Beryl N. (Swanson), Kay returned to her family's home state of Minnesota in her early years. She grew up in a close-knit family, experiencing a simple lifestyle that included hunting, trapping, fishing, and farming. The family later moved to the small town of Lynd, where Kay's father found work as a mail carrier. Their home became the first in town with running water.
After graduating from Lynd High School in 1954 (in a class of 10 students), Kay attended the University of Minnesota where she met her future husband, Patrick R. Ahern. They married and started their family, following Pat's academic career to Princeton and Los Angeles before settling in Madison.
Kay was a dedicated homemaker but also a lifelong learner. She continued her education throughout her life, earning additional degrees and certificates. She was passionate about giving back to her community and volunteered her time to various organizations. She ran a senior center for many years and took special pride in teaching English as a second language to Spanish speakers new to the Madison area.
Kay and Pat were avid travelers, exploring Europe, Asia, South and Central America, and the United States. They loved sharing their adventures with family and friends, inspiring others with their passion for discovery. Kay's generosity and kindness touched the lives of many, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Kay is survived by her children Joan, John (Kathy Kermott), and Lee (Colleen Connolly-Ahern); her grandchildren Robert Wolfgang Moore (Cicely), Ryan Moore (Kristen), Abigail, Eleanor, and Shaughn; her great-grandchildren Garrett and Maverick Moore; and her brother Michael McLaughlin (Una). She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Patrick Ahern, who passed away in September 2023.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000
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Memories
KS
Kristi Strelcheck
Other • 8 months ago
What a beautiful story of her life. Thinking of John, Kathy, & Shaughn, plus the many other people who loved her during this difficult time. With Love, Kristi Strelcheck
RM
Rosalie Migas
Other • 8 months ago
She was such a welcoming and kind person in the neighborhood, always taking the time to say hello and stopping to chat. She will be missed. Hoping the fond memories of her bring comfort to the family during this time.
CK
Carol Kiemel
Other • 8 months ago
Share a delightful memory Over twenty years ago, Kay was my contact person with the teachers and then the students whose first language was Spanish. They in turn that year with the help of their teachers translated the League of Women Voters of Dane County Candidates Answers into Spanish for publication. It was a rewarding, never to be forgotten experience to work with Kay, the students and the teachers. Thank you Kay. Carol Kiemel
MR
Melissa Reed
Other • 8 months ago
I will miss Kay very much. I knew her through the Spanish conversation group and I loved her sense of humor and her interest in the world and in other people. She was the center of our little group. Melissa Reed
JW
Jen Webber
Other • 4 months ago
So sorry to discover that Kay has passed. She and Pat were dear friends of my parents, Nancy and Doug Clark.
BB
Ben Butler
Other • 3 months ago
So sad to learn of Kay's passing. Kay and Pat were super nice people who greatly expanded my knowledge of food, music, and geography. And now they are together again.