Lizabeth A . Ahern

Obituary – Lizabeth (‘Beth”) Ahern (1955 – 2018)

Lizabeth Anne ‘Beth’ Ahern, age 62, bravely fought terminal brain cancer in the loving care of her family. She was born Oct. 22, 1955 in Ft Worth, TX, into an Air Force family life spanning 44 years, first as the daughter of LtCol Donald Irwin and Maurice ‘Maurie’ (Callaghan), and later, as the wife of Col Donald Ahern for 28 years. She was blessed with two children: son, Derek Ahern, of Berwyn Heights, Md, and daughter, Jennifer McGill (John McGill) of Arlington, Va.  She is also survived by her grandson, Logan Gomez, sister, Andrea Silva, of Sacramento, Ca, brother, Robert Irwin (Marti Villa), of Elk Grove, Ca. and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Beth was simply one-of-a-kind; She was beautiful, extremely smart, with a colorful spirit full of love, life, kindness and generosity.  Her positivity and laugh filled any empty room and heart.  She was a beloved mother, master gardener, talented artist, floral designer, chef, hostess and a devoted friend.  Starting initially as a volunteer, Beth retired in 2017 from the US Botanic Garden, where she designed and gardened for many years.  She also previously volunteered with National Military Family Assoc. (where she rose to National Director of Volunteers for her contributions) and with various Roman Catholic parish ministries.

Beth was loved by so many and will be missed by all.  She is at peace. God bless her eternally.

Friends are invited to attend the Viewing on Saturday, August 4 from 11a.m.-1p.m. at Cunningham Turch Funeral Home (703.549.1800) with Catholic Vigil at 11:15a.m., 811 Cameron St., Alexandria, Va 22314, Interment on August 7 at 10:30a.m. at Columbia Gardens Cemetery. For those that wish to send flowers, please do.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Halquist Capital Caring Hospice or to Virginia Hospital Center Oncology Dept.