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.
811 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA 22314
08/04/2018
11:00am - 1:00pm
To Derek and Logan
I hope you can forever hold onto many wonderful memories of your mom/grandmother. She loved you most dearly.
Dad
Jen, John and Family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Love the Moynihans
Becky and I send our sincere sympathy to Beth’s family! Her brother, sister, mom and dad took me in like one of their own! I know Beth was like her mother and loved everyone! Beth isn’t suffering any longer and will truly be missed! We’re sure her dad is wearing one of the many noses and making her laugh once again! Love Jay and Becky Pendergraph
It has been 7 years since I worked with Beth at the USBG, but when I saw her obituary in the Post, I at first stared at her picture slowly remembering the love I always felt from her. This world needs love the way Beth freely gave it. God blessed every person Beth ever touched. Thank You Beth
Dear Jenny and John, and Derek, please except Marti and my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear sweet momma. I will miss my big sister and I love you all, Uncle Robert
Beth was easily one of my most favorite humans to walk this earth. She was never not laughing and making everyone around her laugh as well. Even in sickness, I cannot picture her without a smile. I will always remember her delicious cooking, beautiful gardens, infectiously silly personality, and thoughtful gestures. Our family sends its deepest condolences to Jen, John, Derek and Auntie Beth’s family. We were all truly the lucky ones to have her. May her positive memory live forever. All our love from RI.
My deepest sympathy and prayers go to you and your family for your loss. May the memories you hold dear bring you comfort at this most difficult time (Numbers chapter 6 verse 26; 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verse 3). Please also visit jw.org for more comfort in the difficult days to come.
Beth will be sadly missed by her Ahern family back in New England. She had a very special and kind spirit and was loved by all. To Jennifer and John McGill, Andrea Silva family, and Robert Irwin family, we love you and hope the sadness passes quickly while Beth lives on forever in your hearts. God bless you all.
My sincere sympathy to Beth’s family, friends and former colleagues . Beth was one of the most positive, intelligent and motivated people I have ever known. I am so sad about her passing, but will always remember her with kind thoughts.May Beth rest in peace.