Audrey M. Ahearn – 93 – of Redlands, CA, formerly of Hornell died May 29, 2020 at her home, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on February 20, 1927, she was the daughter of John & Bernice (Leahy) Waight.
Audrey grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell high School (class of 1945). While living in Hornell, she was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church and also served as a leader for the Camp Fire Girls. She was a skilled seamstress and fashioned a variety of outfits for her family.
She was married on January 23, 1947 to James “Jim” Ahearn. They resided in Hornell until 1969 and then moved to California. They later moved to Japan where the lived for three years.
On her return to California, Audrey furthered her education and graduated from Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, CA. She was employed as a Central Supply Supervisor at Ingleside Hospital in Rosemead, CA for many years. After her retirement, she served as a school crossing guard and was beloved as “grandma” to the children in her neighborhood. Audrey was a prolific reader and a huge fan of Country music. She loved to travel, and Hawaii & Mainland China were two of her favorite destinations.
Audrey was preceded in death by her former husband, James “Jim” Ahearn; her son, James “Dan” Ahearn; and her brother, Johnny Waight.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Kathleen Ahearn of Bakersfield, CA and Diane Ahearn of Redlands, CA; her daughter-in-law, Violet Ahearn of Mesa, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
The family of Audrey M Ahearn will receive friends on Friday, August 6, 2021from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 11:00 AM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.
Audrey’s son, James “Dan” Ahearn who died March 24, 2020 will also be remembered and honored at the Memorial Service.
Audrey’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
How does one say goodbye to a constant in one’s life? Audrey, better known as grandma to all who knew and loved her, was more than a friend, more than my best friend’s mom- simply she was the greatest friend/mom I could ever have asked for, and the best grandma that my children could have ever asked for.
Grandma was a force to be reckoned with. One never had to wonder what she was thinking! You can best believe she never had a problem telling you what she was thinking and how she felt!! If you ever wanted to save money without running the risk of spending it- you could give it to grandma and never worry about it because she wasn’t gonna give it back until the predetermined time. Oh, and if you ever wanted to visit every grocery store in town to get the best deals out there- all you had to do was ask grandma! She gathered the coupons, created a list and away she went.
My Jessica loved being picked up from school by grandma because grandma would share all the deepest secrets going on at Diane’s! But, if you think that’s funny- try bringing around a new love interest! Grandma was happy to share ALL one’s love stories with the new Beau! Not always a good thing! On the same note, if you ever needed anything- you can count on Grandma- including helping us move from one house to another 6 times in one year! That included putting a fully decorated Christmas tree on the back of her truck and trucking down the street!
The stories are many and the memories endless… memories that I’ll cherish and hold close to my heart until we meet again!! In the meantime- FLY HIGH GRANDMA! Love Millie
Grandma Audrey was a Grandma gifted to me from God. She loved to read and loved to talk. Some of my favorite memories with Grandma was whenever I got scared as a little girl she seemed to know and would have my back.
Want to get off a carnival ride that suspended in mid-air? All you need is Grandma Audrey to tell the man to turn the ride off and let you down. Afraid on a pontoon boat? Grandma Audrey will hold your hand and tell you stories. Afraid driving anywhere? Again, Grandma will tell you stories and keep you distracted. She will also make sure that you have a snack bag with your name on it ready to roll.
An absolute gift from God. I will miss you so much. But, I also know I will see you again. I look forward to riding around in heaven with you in the blue truck.
Love you, Judy
Grandma was always my favorite grandma! She was my only grandma growing up, even though we weren’t related by blood. She took me and my sisters in as her own grandchildren. Rides home from school, snack filled sleepovers (usually included a fight between her and Mollie about the air conditioner), trips to Santa’s village, Hawaii, birthdays and countless holiday gatherings… She was always present, she never skipped a beat and she will always be in my heart forever. I love you grandma! Party in paradise!!!
Kathy ahern sorry about the loss of your mother and brother. But would love to have seen you and talked with you. I would love to hear from you either by phone or by letterMy phone number is 585-335-5441 My address is 44 Jefferson Street Dansville New York 14437if you would like to get in touch with me