OBITUARY: Maureen Evans Ahern, 83

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA —  Maureen Evans Ahern (McGrath), 83, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, formerly a longtime resident of Wilmington, Massachusetts, and Port St. Lucie, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on January 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 13, 1942, Maureen was the beloved daughter of the late Murtagh and Mary (Shea) McGrath. She was raised in Somerville as part of a large, close-knit Irish Catholic family and was educated in Somerville, graduating from St. Anne’s Catholic School. Deeply rooted in faith and family, Maureen maintained a lifelong connection to her Irish heritage, making many trips to Ireland over the years to visit and stay close with family there.

On October 28, 1961, Maureen married “the love of her life,” Donald Ahern. Together they made their home in Wilmington, Massachusetts, where they raised their three children and built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Maureen and Don shared more than 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2020. Their home was always warm and welcoming, with the door open to family and friends near and far. Maureen especially loved entertaining and hosting visitors from both home and abroad.

Known for being organized, immaculate, and hardworking, Maureen had a distinguished professional career. She worked for many years as a tax examiner with the Internal Revenue Service before joining Hanscom Air Force Base as a government budget analyst. During her career, she worked with NATO and traveled extensively, including to Germany, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Maureen was a trusted and respected employee, admired for her strong work ethic and deep knowledge of her field.

A lifelong learner, Maureen had a true thirst for knowledge. She was well-read and well-versed in politics, current events, and religion, and she thoroughly enjoyed thoughtful conversation and a good debate.

In 2005, Maureen and Don built their retirement home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where they embraced their new community, formed many friendships, and delighted in hosting family and friends. Following Don’s passing, Maureen split her time between Massachusetts and Florida to be with her children and grandchildren.

Family was always the center of Maureen’s world. She was a devoted and generous mother who continually put the needs of others before her own. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and looked forward to family game nights, vacations with family, and being present at school events, sports games, and celebrations of all kinds. Listening to the Irish Channel and tending to her garden were activities she thoroughly enjoyed. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed relaxing on the beach with a good book or sharing a favorite meal with loved ones.

Maureen will be fondly remembered as a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was kind, thoughtful, friendly, and always willing to help someone in need. Her warmth made everyone feel welcomed and loved. A beautiful soul with a heart of gold, Maureen loved her family and friends unconditionally and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maureen was the beloved wife of the late Donald Ahern; devoted mother of Donald Ahern of Vero Beach, Florida; Kerry White and her late husband John of Townsend; and Erin Ahern of Chelmsford. She was the loving “Nuni” of Cody, Dalton, Chantal, Candace, Katrina, and great-grandchildren Christopher, Elijah, Isabella, and Lily. She was the cherished sister of the late Mort “Buz” McGrath and his wife Jean, Nuala Dacy and her husband Bob, and Carolyn Laughlin, and is predeceased by her brother Gerald McGrath. She was also the sister-in-law of the late Marilyn Ahern and the late Arthur “Buddy” Ahern. Maureen is also survived by her former daughter-in-law, Terrie (Burbine) Ahern, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Services for Maureen will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, Massachusetts. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.