Elayne K. Ahern (1925-2006) Chicago, Illinois
Elayne K. Ahern, 81, of Lake Forest, IL, passed away on August 16, 2006. She was born Elayne Kelly in Antigo, WI, on March 24, 1925. She attended high school in Antigo and University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she earned a B.A. in Modern Languages. She also spent one summer each at the University of Mexico and McGill University in Montreal. Her love of languages landed her a job at Standard Oil of Indiana, where she met her husband Paul Ahern. She and Paul were married on June 25, 1949, in Chicago and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. They have five children: Paul Jr., Mary, James, Mark and Patrick. She was devoted to her family. She also gave of herself generously to many causes. She was on the Women's Boards of the Chicago Maternity Center and the Ravinia Festival. In addition, she taught Junior Great Books for many years in Lake Forest. Finally, she volunteered frequently at the Church of St. Mary in Lake Forest. She is survived by her husband Paul; and their five children: Paul, Jr. (Laurie) Ahern of Seattle, WA, Mary (John) Chlebowski of Chicago, IL, James (Susy) Ahern of Ridgefield, CT, Mark (Charlotte) Ahern and Patrick (Edith) Ahern both of Lake Forest, IL; she is also survived by her brother, John (Barbara) Kelly of Antigo, WI, and Ft. Myers, FL; finally, she is survived by 13 grandchildrne: Terrence, Ryan, Kelly, Megan, James Jr., Caitlin, Mark Jr., Charlotte, Brian, Patrick Jr., Paul II, Aidan and Liam. She was preceded in death by her sister Mary Rose (George Jr.) Dohrmann. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lake Forest Hospital, 660 N. Westmoreland Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2006, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Avenue, Lake Forest, IL. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at the Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest. Info. 847-234-0022.
Published in the Chicago Tribune on 8/21/2006.